Let the children take over

Human induced changes in the global climate and associated sea level rise are widely accepted with policy makers and scientists. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded t hat "the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate." The exact magnitude of the changes in the global climate is still uncertain and subject to worldwide scientific studies but it is broadly recognised that Bangladesh is very vulnerable to these changes. Indeed, it has internationally been argued that Bangladesh, as a country, may suffer the most severe impacts from climate change.
Climate change is not only an "environmental" concern but really a "development" concern for Bangladesh. Because of its dense population and low-lying land. Even though it is particularly vulnerable to climate change in its coastal zone, covering about 30% of the country the impact of coastal problems due to climate change and environment pollution is getting worse day by day due to behavioural patterns and human practices. As the people living in the city are not directly affected they do not feel so deeply about the problems.
These are all man made and is done by the people living in non-coastal area especially people living in the cities as they are totally unaware about what they are doing, what is the impact of this and how it is affecting them and the children. The main contributor to Climate Change is the use of fossil fuels (e.g. gas and coal) to generate electricity and power our machinery (e.g. cars, lights, air conditioners).When we burn fossil fuels we release carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. And the city dwellers consume and misuse more of these resources (gas electricity) not that they do it willingly but mostly without knowing the impact of it.
Climate change directly affects the lives of young children both now and in the future. While children are among the most vulnerable to climate change, they should not be considered passive or helpless victims. It would be irresponsible for us not to share this information with children, to give them the opportunity to learn how their actions impact on the health of the planet. This kind of knowledge enables children to learn how to be part of the climate change solution and teaches them that they can make a difference.
The skills, knowledge and attitude they will gain from any awareness programme will be required to live in a sustainable world, now and in the future. We all want different things for our children, and early childhood services have a long-standing practice of respecting different cultures and family values. Environmental sustainability is not a lifestyle choice, but a way of living.
Children are powerful agents of change, and studies have found that many children can be extraordinarily resilient in the face of significant challenges. Providing children with relevant education on disasters and climate change in a child-friendly school environment and empowering them can reduce their vulnerability to risk while contributing to sustainable development for their communities. School students and teachers are one of the most critical segments to educate about their immediate environment and impart knowledge about the eco-systems, their interdependence and their need for survival. Targeting   this group of children for any awareness programme will give opportunity to sustain the awareness programme among these children and to reduce the environmental pollution. Moreover children can only make the adult aware about these issues once they fully understand their position and be the Change Agent. The very term "sustainability' is not just about caring for the environment or beautification of their school environment or make the school buildings more green by planting trees.
It takes into account social structures and economic considerations. And the learning about sustainability starts with everyday practices of limiting waste, and reducing energy and water use by collecting rainwater; minimising the use of heating and cooling; turning off lights and power switches when not needed; close the water tap when not in use or while brushing or doing other work or putting food scraps in a compost bin.
Studies found that the children and women will be among those most affected by a changing climate through environment pollution and waste of resources. It is estimated that 65% of those who will be affected by climate-related disasters every year in the next decade will be women and children. What can we do to help combat climate change and environment pollution and reduce waste? In a simpler way change our personal habits and teach children to help save our money and reduce our ecological foot print as Education for sustainable development allows every human being to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitude and values necessary to shape a sustainable future. We all have the right to survive in this beautiful world without being slow poisoned by self created environment pollution!

The writer is Executive Director, TRK Consultancy Services. E-mail: [email protected]