Safiul Azam :
Climate change has become one of the most significant challenges facing the world today, and its effects are increasingly being felt across different regions. For countries like Bangladesh, the consequences are especially dire.
With its low-lying coastal regions, dense population, and vulnerability to a variety of natural disasters, Bangladesh finds itself on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
The effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, floods, and droughts, are disrupting lives and livelihoods, particularly in rural and coastal areas. The consequences of inaction are clear, and urgent steps need to be taken.
However, the solution to the climate crisis is not just the responsibility of governments or international bodies. It is a collective responsibility that must involve all segments of society, particularly the youth. In Bangladesh, young people have shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and dedication in responding to the challenges posed by climate change.
They are not waiting for others to take action; instead, they are actively stepping up to make a difference in their communities and the country at large. The youth of Bangladesh are not just passive recipients of the consequences of climate change—they are determined to take charge of their future and shape a more sustainable world for themselves and future generations.
The youth of Bangladesh are becoming increasingly aware of the urgent need to act on climate change. They understand that the current crisis will have long-term consequences for their generation and those that follow. Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a threat to their futures, their livelihoods, and their communities.
And it is clear that if the world does not act swiftly, the situation will only worsen, making their dreams of a better future more difficult to achieve.
As such, many young people in Bangladesh are actively engaged in climate action efforts, from promoting environmental sustainability to advocating for stronger climate policies at the national and international levels.
They are leading grassroots initiatives, pushing for climate-resilient infrastructure, and advocating for climate justice in vulnerable communities.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a national youth convention on climate change adaptation and disaster resilience organized by Islamic Relief Bangladesh and YouthNet Global.
The convention brought together youths from various disaster-prone areas, each of whom demonstrated immense passion and commitment to combating the challenges posed by climate hazards.
The dreams and aspirations of the young participants were nothing short of inspiring. These youth—hailing from some of the most vulnerable regions of Bangladesh—are fully aware of the impacts that climate change has on their communities. And yet, they remain determined to rise above these challenges. They are committed to finding solutions, developing resilience, and building a more sustainable future.
Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The country is highly susceptible to flooding, cyclones, and rising sea levels. As much as 30% of the country is less than five meters above sea level, and much of the population lives in coastal and flood-prone areas.
Changes in weather patterns, such as irregular rainfall, extreme heat, and rising salinity in the coastal regions, have already disrupted agriculture and food production, threatening food security for millions. The impacts on agriculture are particularly concerning, as the sector employs a large portion of the population and forms the backbone of the rural economy. The disruptions to agriculture, alongside threats to water security and infrastructure, create immense challenges for communities.
It is clear that the youth of Bangladesh have a crucial role to play in addressing the climate crisis. They are not only the most affected by its impacts, but they are also the most motivated to create solutions.
The younger generation has already demonstrated an impressive ability to mobilize and advocate for climate action, and their energy and determination are essential in the fight against climate change.
They are active participants in various movements and organizations that are dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and advocating for climate justice.
Their grassroots efforts are contributing to the development of innovative solutions, such as promoting renewable energy sources, sustainable agricultural practices, and disaster-resilient infrastructure.
Despite their commitment and passion, youth in Bangladesh face several obstacles in their climate action efforts. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of financial resources to implement their ideas. While many young people have innovative ideas and solutions to combat the climate crisis, they often lack the necessary funds and institutional support to bring these ideas to fruition.
The absence of funding for youth-led initiatives means that many projects remain small-scale or fail to reach their full potential. Additionally, young people often struggle to gain access to the knowledge and technical skills required to design and implement climate solutions.
Although many young people are aware of the urgency of the situation, they may lack the formal training and expertise needed to develop and implement large-scale climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. To address these barriers, there must be greater support for youth-led projects and initiatives. Governments, donors, and international organizations must provide financial resources to enable young people to turn their ideas into action.
The climate crisis is a global challenge that requires collective action. The youth of Bangladesh are already playing a crucial role in addressing this crisis, and their contributions must be supported and recognized.
With the right resources, knowledge, and opportunities, young people can continue to lead the way in the fight against climate change, ensuring that their voices are heard and their solutions are implemented. The future of the planet depends on the actions we take today, and the youth of Bangladesh are ready to step up and lead the charge for a sustainable future.
(The writer is a development communications professional and can be reached at safiul.azam@islam
icrelief-bd.org.)
