An intense heatwave is predicted in the coming weeks in Bangladesh. The government might be forced to close schools to ensure the safety and well-being of students, as it happened in the past. This is a reminder that combating climate change warrants urgent action. Only collective action can slow down the adverse impact of climate change. While we can point finger at large industries and developed nations for the amount of their carbon emission and consumption habits, it only makes sense that we should take some responsibility at the individual level. As we face an unprecedented set of events in 2024, it is only rational that we should adopt a sustainable and green lifestyle.
Bangladesh is one of the most populated nations. Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities. This year alone, we have faced several heatwaves. And, some of them were so extreme that we had to suffer severe health, economic and educational challenges. It also affected daily-wage workers, rickshaw pullers and the vulnerable. The situation calls for an immediate action and the need for sustainable living practice integrated into everyday life.
Everyday energy consumption is one of the primary concerns; and yet, it is an effective way to combat climate change. Switching to energy-efficient home appliances, using LED lights and minimising and optimising air conditioner use can effectively address energy consumption in a city such as Dhaka. The percentage of outdoor green space in Dhaka鈥檚 north in 1992 was 47; in contrast, it is dramatically reduced to 16 per cent in 2022. Urban areas such as听 Dhaka can address heating issues by increasing green space in parks and on roofs, creating vertical gardens, and so on. These are some ways we can dissipate heat and improve air quality. We need community engagement and awareness to increase such spaces. It is not practical for a nation such as听 Bangladesh to rely on the government alone.
The second area where we can significantly improve things is water security. Using water-efficient fixtures, not keeping the tap running during the brushing of teeth, using eco-friendly faucets and harvesting rainwater can significantly reduce water waste. In schools, we need to run continuous awareness campaigns about the practices and prioritise water conservation.
Another area where we can make changes is the food sector. Meat and dairy are the most carbon-intensive sectors, with the most greenhouse emissions. Individuals can reduce their ecological footprint by consuming less carbon-intensive food and adopting a more plant-based diet. While it is evident that it might not always be possible to pursue these preferences given the cultural dietary preferences, the awareness might make consumers act more responsibly towards their food preferences. Besides, supporting local produce not only helps to reduce transport-related carbon emissions but also supports the local economy.
Waste segregation is another area where we can improve things. Increased recycling and composting of organic waste materials can reduce the carbon signature. Landfills, which worsen the methane emission situation, are discouraged. Community-based cleaning initiatives can lead to raised awareness and a sense of collective responsibility, especially for the young population.
Technology also plays a crucial role in sustainable living. Solar panels and energy-efficient buildings can drastically reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources. At the consumer level, inverter-based refrigerators, air coolers and appliances equipped with intelligent energy management systems can improve an individual鈥檚 energy consumption.
Businesses also have to take responsibility for a positive transition. Organisations can reduce their carbon signature by choosing to act responsibly and adopting sustainable practices. It is ethical and expected of businesses to recycle materials, reduce emissions and adopt a green supply chain.
Individual actions are also important. We should welcome policies that help individuals to act more responsibly towards consumption. For example, the government has decided to ban plastic and polypropylene bags in super shops beginning on October 1. We should welcome such initiatives, not resist change and adopt more sustainable choices even if that means that we need to face some hassle during the adaptation period. In fact, it is expected that the government will gradually ban single-use plastic and microplastic use. If the neighbouring countries can ban single-use plastic in cafes and shops, we can implement a similar ban as well.
Educating the young and community level engagement develop hand-in-hand. Schools and communities need to step up and create more awareness among the young during their formative years. For example, the government can award and publicise the most sustainable or green communities and inspire others to act. Integrating sustainability into the curriculum has no alternative in this regard. We need to focus on practical, action-based learning that portrays global best practices that we can adopt.
The fight against climate change is daunting, but it is manageable. The past heatwaves and the coming ones remind us of an urgent need to act. By adopting small but significant changes in the way of life, each individual can contribute to a considerable collective effort to mitigate effects of climate change. Through such small, everyday actions, we can achieve the larger goal of sustainability and environmental preservation.
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Quazi Tafsirul Islam, the coordinator of the NSU Startups Next, is a lecturer at the North South University.
