A 15-day tree-planting campaign and fair in Barishal is promoting environmental awareness, with the minister urging stronger public action on climate change and energy use.
Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said on Sunday that coastal communities in the country will face the greatest risks from the impacts of climate change, with changing rainfall, temperatures, sunlight intensity and sea levels reflecting the effects of a changing climate.
“Climate conditions are changing continuously. Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Among them, coastal areas will be at greater risk. Global initiatives must be taken to address this problem,” Swapon told reporters in Barishal, a city in southern Bangladesh.
A 15-day divisional tree-planting campaign and tree fair has begun in Barishal to help address the adverse impacts of climate change and maintain environmental balance.
Swapon inaugurated the campaign and fair by releasing balloons and festoons at the city’s Bells Park field on Sunday.
“Being people of the southern region, we know how climate change is taking place. The amount of rainfall, sunlight, heat and water levels are changing day by day,” the minister said.
“Among the areas in Bangladesh that will be at risk because of climate change, coastal regions are one of them. The people living in these areas along the sea will be at the greatest risk.”
Swapon urged people to cooperate with any initiative taken by the Forest Department and called on the public to understand the importance of tree planting and greening.
The minister also stressed the need for greater awareness about energy use to address the adverse effects of climate change.
“If we are not aware, temperatures will become unsuitable for human habitation. Everyone must be aware to keep this planet suitable for human habitation,” Swapon said.
He said tree planting was being given the highest priority to maintain environmental balance and address the impacts of climate change.
“Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is not busy with cheap development. A major example of this is the initiative to plant 250 million trees in five years. Five crore trees will be planted every year. The tree fairs are being held across the country to that end,” the minister said.
Swapon later visited various nurseries participating in the tree fair.
Fifty nurseries from different districts are taking part in the Barishal divisional tree fair, which will remain open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Representatives of the divisional administration and police administration, along with students from various schools and colleges, attended the fair.
