Students, scientists and communities gathered in Chittagong to explore local climate solutions, youth leadership and innovative practices linking global challenges with grassroots environmental action through dialogue, demonstrations and cultural exchange.
An interactive climate awareness program highlighting the power of local solutions to address global environmental challenges was held on Saturday (January 24) at Sonapahar Farmhouse Resort in Chittagong(second-largest city in Bangladesh), bringing together students, academics, community members and environmental advocates.
The program, titled Solving Local Issues with Local Solutions, was organized by Md. Amzad, chairperson of the summit and founder of Sonapahar Eco Resort. It emphasized how communities, particularly young people, can contribute to environmental protection using locally available resources and innovative ideas.
Participants included village children, school students from across Chittagong and students from the Environmental Sciences program and the Green Bangle Project at the Asian University for Women (AUW). The discussions were marked by active engagement, with students asking questions on climate change, planetary health and community-driven solutions.
The event was attended by Nicole S. Khan, assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of Hong Kong, Dr. M. Rashid Khan, a Chittagong-born scientist, development expert and policy specialist and Dr. Mosae Selvakumar, director of the Environmental Science Program at AUW and founder of the Green Bangle Movement.
During her address, Nicole S. Khan shared her experiences witnessing physical impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, increasing temperatures and changes in soil slope. Responding to a student’s question on how to mitigate rising temperatures in densely populated cities like Dhaka where open space is limited, she suggested alternatives such as rooftop planting in urban buildings. She also highlighted approaches including biomass use, carbon dioxide capture technologies, soil-based carbon conversion projects and the expansion of solar energy.
Linking global climate issues such as rising temperatures and international climate negotiations at COP meetings to local adaptation strategies, speakers stressed the importance of practical community-level action.
Several local initiatives were showcased during the program. The Green Bangle Project highlighted its effort to plant 3,000 saplings as a contribution to climate mitigation and community responsibility. Sonapahar Eco Resort presented its innovative practice of producing protein from waste fish and reusing it as fish feed, reducing pollution while supporting sustainable aquaculture.
Students raised questions beyond tree plantation, discussing soil health, solar energy, reduced resource consumption and sustainable lifestyles, reflecting growing awareness of diverse environmental solutions.
In his speech, Dr. M. Rashid Khan addressed Bangladesh’s continued dependence on traditional fossil fuels such as coal, oil and diesel, which release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. He discussed cleaner fossil fuel alternatives, including improved combustion technologies, efficient engines and emission control systems. He also spoke about the responsibility of major industrial nations such as China and the United States and the challenges faced by developing countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. He emphasized net-zero carbon goals and the role of clean technologies, international conventions and digital tools including artificial intelligence, expressing optimism that the next generation would prioritize ecosystems through flexible solutions.
Environmental science students from AUW later raised critical questions on deforestation, waste management in wealthy countries, public health impacts of pollution and possible interventions. Students shared examples from Nepal, Cambodia and East Timor to illustrate environmental challenges in their home countries and sought solutions from Dr. Rashid Khan’s perspective.
The program also featured a special session by Ashley Khan, a professional Pilates instructor, who introduced participants to Pilates as a practice that supports mental and physical well-being. He noted that a healthy and flexible mind can help people approach problem-solving from multiple perspectives.
Dr. Selvakumar said the objective of the program was to reconnect people with nature and involve local communities in solving environmental problems. He cited plamyrah and mangrove plantation initiatives in parts of Chittagong as evidence that local action can combat rising temperatures, erosion and deforestation. He encouraged participants to engage in plantation as one of the most accessible climate actions, stressing that awareness must be paired with innovation and academic solutions to address ocean and ecosystem challenges.
Summarizing the event, Md. Amzad underscored the importance of clean energy alternatives, innovative practices and youth leadership in tackling global climate issues through local action.
The program concluded with a winter evening Pitha Utshab, where participants, guests and community members shared traditional food. The atmosphere shifted from formal discussion to celebration as two farmers closed the event with a heartfelt singing performance, followed by group photographs. The program was hosted by Mithila Jahan, a student of the Environmental Sciences program at AUW.
Organizers said the event successfully bridged scientific knowledge with community action, encouraging young people to take responsibility for protecting the environment and building a sustainable future.
