The Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP) 2017 – 2030 will see an integrated approach to addressing climate change and disaster risk management across the Pacific region.

Also heralding in the new era is the Pacific Climate Change Centre which will act as a center of excellence for Pacific climate change action. To be based in Samoa at the campus of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), it is planned the ground breaking ceremony will take place in early 2018, with completion of the building by April, 2019.

The Pacific Climate Change Roundtable was in the spotlight during the PCCR as it announced the Pacific Meteorological Council intends to utilise the PCCC as its primary training and partnership provider for the region. It will also be the virtual hub for the World Meteorological Climate Center, focusing on forecasting, climate services and capacity building.

“We have convened a steering committee that has looked at functions and governance, and have also held our first regional consultation. Importantly, we are now fleshing out what sorts of programs the PCCC should focus on in the near term and to garner partners support for these,” said Mr Roger Cornforth the Deputy Director General of SPREP.

“The PCCC will be a major asset for the region, there will be space available for secondments, placements and visiting researchers who want to work with the region, and we are hopeful that this will result in valuable applied research for building resilience to climate change.”

The concept of the PCCC was first endorsed at the 2012 SPREP Meeting held in Noumea, New Caledonia. It is funded by the Government of Japan through the support of the Government of Samoa in partnership with SPREP.

It was officially approved at the 2015 Pacific Leaders meeting (PALM 5) held in Japan.

The PCCR steering committee convened by SPREP, consisting of SPREP Members and Partners, are considering the functions of the PCCC as well as to oversee the development of a governance structure, and budget.

As the Pacific moves into this new era, integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change to strengthen resilience, the Pacific Climate Change Centre may be the va’a that is needed to help steer this journey. It will be the hub of innovation for delivery of climate change and integrated disaster risk management knowledge and services to Pacific island members.

“We thank the Governments of Japan and Samoa for their support and commitment to making the Pacific Climate Change Centre a reality. We also acknowledge our SPREP Member governments and partners for their help and contribution as we prepare for the PCCC,” said Mr Cornforth.

“We invite all interested partners and organisations to join us in this exciting new opportunity.”

The Pacific Climate Change Roundtable 2017 was made possible with the generous support of the Government of Germany, the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Aid and CSIRO. The event has been held since 2008 on a biannual basis coordinated by SPREP and partners. The last PCCR was held in Apia in 2015.

The Pacific Resilience Week is coordinated by SPREP, the Pacific Community (SPC) the United Nations office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) with the support of partners.

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Floodwaters pouring through villages in northern Bangladesh have left 2.2 million people homeless and 37 dead, says the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. Hundreds of schools are closed disrupting studies for thousands of children in 20 districts. Washed out roads and damaged crops are threatening to have long term adverse effects.

The water levels of all the major rivers like the Meghna, Brahmaputra and the Ganges started rising since last Friday and continue to rise. The worst affected areas are the northern districts of Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogra and Sirajganj, where the situation has worsened.

Save the Children is ready to respond in Kurigram and Sirajganj, the two worst affected districts with necessary relief materials.

“We have already deployed our team in Kurigram and Sirajganj districts and are closely monitoring the situation with local partner organizations, local administration and the Department of Disaster Management, Government of Bangladesh. We are seriously concerned about children as they are the most vulnerable group. Our stocks are ready to be distributed among the affected families and their children,” said Mark Pierce, Country Director for Save the Children in Bangladesh.

Save the Children, the leading aid agency for children has been working in Bangladesh since 1970, saving lives of children by responding to humanitarian emergencies caused by any disasters.

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He disclosed the plan at a roundtable discussion on energy security organised by the Daily Sun at East West Media Group Limited auditorium in Bashundhara Residential Area on Tuesday.

The state minister said providing new gas connections to industries remains suspended but the government will resume it only to the units inside economic zones in April.

The Daily Sun acting Editor Enamul Hoque Chowdhury presided over the discussion titled “Energy Security & Vision 2041” while the daily’s Executive Editor Shiabur Rahman moderated it.

The state minister said the government is going to introduce energy audit system with a view to ensuring efficient use of energy and power.

Mohammad Hossain, director general of Power Cell of Power Division, presented the keynote paper.

He said power production was 5,000 megawatt in 2009, when the Awami League-led government assumed office, but it jumped to 15,000 megawatt due to timely steps of the government.

About short-term, mid-term and long-term steps of the government, he said quick rental power plants have contributed to magical growth in power generation.

“Electricity coverage has increased from 47 percent to 80 percent. Number of power plants has grown from 27 to 81. Systems loss has come down from 17 percent to 13 percent,” he added.

He spoke of the need for diversification of energy basket by increasing production of solar power, hydropower and wind power.

He said the government has a target to raise power generation to 24,000mw by 2021 and 60,500mw by 2041 to materialise the vision of the government.

Attaching importance to energy saving, he said 1mw energy saving means 1mw energy production.

He said the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) has opened a new avenue for the countries of this region to share energy with each other.

According to him, energy supply at affordable cost in reliable and environmental friendly manner and equitable distribution are important to ensure energy security.

FBCCI President Md Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said economic development of the country should be given priority while taking any plan for power generation.

BUET professor of Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineering M Tamim suggested that the organisations involved in power and gas generation and distribution present real picture of the sector for better future planning.

“Unless they provide the real statistics it will be very difficult to formulate flawless planning,” he said.

Enamul Hoque Chowdhury said the incumbent government made tremendous success in power generation and distribution.

“Power cut was a regular phenomenon before this government resumed office. But now there is almost no load-shedding,” he said.

Shiabur Rahman said the country has a target to be a developed nation by 2041, the time when gas resource is supposed to come down to zero level.

He said the government will have to make a policy to overcome the challenge to be created by gas shortage.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Vice President Kamrul Islam called for a map to specify the places which will get gas and power connection on priority basis.

Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board Chairman Major General Moin Uddin, BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Mohammd Nasir, Bangladesh Auto Re-Rolling & Steel Mills Association Secretary General Md Shahidullah, Bangladesh Power Development Board Member Md Fakhruzzman and Director Kazi Afsaruddin, Bangladesh Independent Power Producers Association Secretary Abdul Halim and Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited Managing Director Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya also spoke at the roundtable.

Business leader at the event said many entrepreneurs have to count loss by investing in a place where gas connection is not available for long.

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Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner on Friday issued a disaster proclamation for Lake, McHenry and Kane counties and pledged the support of the state government to people whose properties were damaged or destroyed.

Thousands of homes were affected by flooding after storms dumped more than 7 inches (18 cm) of rain in the area on Tuesday and Wednesday, said Patti Thompson, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

The full extent of damage was still unknown, but houses had their basements inundated and some structures may have suffered worse, Thompson said. No injuries or deaths have been reported.

“Until the water goes down, it’s hard to get a firm number,” Thompson said by phone. “We still have a few more days when we’re going to see levels rising in some of these areas.”

In Lake County alone, which includes Chicago’s affluent suburb of Highland Park, an official said at a news conference on Friday that 2,100 structures were submerged and 5,800 structures could ultimately be flooded.

Muddy water lapped against homes and covered roadways in the communities of Round Lake Beach, Des Plaines and Lincolnshire, and residents walked through water that reached their ankles or higher, in photos published by the Chicago Tribune.

Some rivers were at record high levels, officials said.

Three-quarters of an inch (1.9 cm) of rain was forecast in scattered showers late on Saturday into early Sunday, said meteorologist Michael Musher of the federal Weather Prediction Centre.

Light rain is also forecast for Wisconsin but is not expected to lead to flooding there.

Even so, officials fear water flowing downstream from Wisconsin could exacerbate flooding in areas north of Chicago.

The water level in the Fox River in Algonquin, a small community about 40 miles (64 km) northwest of downtown Chicago, was at nearly 12 feet (3.7 meters), which is above the flood stage, said meteorologist Charles Mott of the National Weather Service.

The Fox River was expected to peak on Monday evening at 12.9 feet (3.9 meters), Mott said.

Severe weather was also expected in other parts of the country on Saturday. Areas around Nashville, Tennessee, could see heavy rain, and thunderstorms could strike parts of the Rocky Mountain range, Musher said.

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Chair of the LDC group, Mr. Gebru Jember Endalew, said: “It is deeply disappointing to see the US shirking its responsibilities as a member of the global community. We are already seeing the impacts of climate change with record droughts, flooding and heat waves recently faced around the world. For LDCs the impacts are especially devastating; as the poorest countries in the world we are highly vulnerable but the least capable to respond to the threat of climate change. By refusing to commit to ambitious action on climate change President Trump is showing disregard for the lives of millions around the world.”

“In Paris the world united with a call for climate action and the wave of momentum now behind the Agreement cannot be slowed by one country deciding to sit on the sidelines. Many countries have taken up the mantle of global climate leadership through ambitious climate policies and innovation, and the US has lost a seat at this table.” “The international community won’t wait for the US to catch up. Transformations in technology, consumption patterns and demand for clean, green innovations are charging ahead of political will around the world.

Countries are learning that taking advantage of these innovations is not only smart for the climate, but smart for the economy. Joining the transition to a green economy means embracing business opportunities that are beneficial for all.” “The US is only one country. I urge global leaders not to let President Trump’s decision to distract us from the important work we need to do to achieve the vital goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement. I also invite President Trump to reconsider his decision. Let us continue to work together to build a safe world for present and future generations.”

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Journalists from both national level mainstream print and electronic media of Bangladesh can apply to the Seeds Asia, Dhaka office for further details. The final selection of fellowships will be conducted by a panel of experts. The selected fellows will be extended a grant to support their research activity for their final publications.

In addition, SEEDS Asia will conduct a seminar to provide important information on DRR scientific data and related environmental and social issues conducted for the selected journalists as part of its support programme for the fellowship.

Eligibility

Restricted to journalists covering issues related to environment, disaster, climate change and disaster related health risks and social issues during the last two years or longer. The applicant must also be a full-time employee of national daily or monthly newspapers, television companies, radio stations or online news portal in Bangladesh.

Application Procedure

The intended applicants need to submit –

# Application letter containing outlines of two stories on DRR

# Resume with photograph,

# Three copies (newspaper cutting/television footage/online version printout with link) of their previous reports on environment, disaster and climate change issues –

to the address of SEEDS Asia Bangladesh Office – A8, 4F, House 27, Road 44, Gulshan 2, Dhaka– 1212 by June 15th 2017.  (Application can submit either in Bangla or English language)

The applicants can also apply via e-mail – [email protected] by June 15th 2017 under the subject – “Application for Journalists’ Fellowship on DRR”. Inclusion of other documents –scanned—must be sent. The intended applicants must also to attach their previous newspaper cutting in PDF/JPG format.

SEEDS Asia is a foremost DRR research and dissemination organization based in Kobe, Japan. It has a respected international experience with a special focus on strengthening urban resilience, community participation and research in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Leaders of the five bodies made the demand in a joint statement.

They also demanded to review the Bangladesh Water Development Board’s project worth over seven hundred core taka to implement two Tidal River Management (TRM) and re-excavation of so called 83 canals.

They also questioned about the success and logic of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority’s long time excavation and dredging to keep sufficient navigability of this important channel round the year.

Opposing the implementation of TRM, the statement said that the water flow will be normal in the channel if the illegal dams on over 50 government canals, over one thousand environmentally harmful shrimp enclosures were evicted and canals were re-excavated properly,.

The organizations claimed that if these demands were fulfilled, high tide and ebb tide would flow faster and would decrease siltation in Mongla-Ghashikhali channel, and, as a result, the channel’s water flow would be fast as it was earlier.

If so, the statement said, over one hundred families of Rampal would not leave their ancestral homes and around 1,500 acres of agricultural land will not be destroyed for implementation of TRM.

Mentioning that the BWDB project not practical, , the civic group leaders alleged that the Tk 700-crore project had a hint of major irregularities and corruption.

They alleged that though the project mentioned 83 canals in the project area, the actual number would be much less.

The project mentions many names of a same canals to show a higher number of canals only to hike the project cost, they alleged.

The statement mentioned that the BIWTA showed about Tk 400 crore in expenditure in last four years for excavation and remove silt of Mongla-Ghashiakhali channel.

But, the statement alleged, though a ship having highest 13 feet draft can ply during the high hide on the route, a ship having more than 10 feet draft can’t ply during ebb tide while Tk 250 core had already been spent for capital dredging.

For past one and a half years, the statement said, maintenance dredging had been going on, it said, alleging that the process had been allowing public fund misused and plundering.

Leaders of the organizations urged the government to evict all the illegal dams of all canals and shrimp and to excavate the canals following proper plan on emmergency basis.

The signatories of the statement include Green Club of Bangladesh (GCB) president Nurur Rahman Selim, National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways general secretary Ashis Kumar Dey, Citizens Rights Movement secretary-general Tusar Rehman, Sekender Hayat of Council to passengers Rights and Jassy Sikder of Oath to Protect River.

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In all participating countries, the teams start with a 2-day Boot Camp and six Coaching Sessions to prepare for their National Finals. The top-3 of all competing countries will battle the Grand Final in Cyprus, in October 2017. The competition is now open for Bangladesh and the deadline for idea submission is June 22. ClimateLaunchpad welcomes innovations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, food and agriculture, water, transportation, industrial technology or any other way to tackle climate change. The judging criteria are impact on climate change, business potential and skills within the team.

Gen Lab, a youth led social enterprise, is the country partner of the competition. NewsfeedPR is the outreach partner of their operations in Bangladesh.

Frans Nauta, founder of ClimateLaunchpad who also serves Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, as a visiting scholar has said, “We have to fix climate change and we have one generation to fix it. All over the world, there are so many great entrepreneurs working on ideas to tackle climate change. ClimateLaunchpad boosts those entrepreneurs to global success through training and giving them an international stage.”

The world’s best ideas win access to Climate-KIC’s renowned Accelerator program, focused on clean tech commercialization. The overall winner of the Grand Final also receives a cash prize of Euro 10,000, the runner-up gets 5,000 and the team that comes in third place wins 2,500. There are also five theme awards participants can win in the categories like Urban Transitions, Sustainable Land Use, Sustainable Production Services and Decision Metrics.

ClimateLaunchpad is the world’s largest business idea competition and part of the Entrepreneurship offerings of Climate-KIC, the EU’s main climate innovation initiative. The competition is supported by over 100 partners from all over Europe. They include companies like Accenture, Benard Schulte Ship management, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Hellenic Bank, Microsoft, PWC, Sparebank, Volvo and World Wide Fund.

More about ClimateLaunchpad and Climate-KIC

ClimateLaunchpad (www.climatelaunchpad.org) is a programbyClimate-KIC; the EU’smainclimateinnovationinitiative. It is Europe’s largest public-private innovation partnership focused on mitigating and adapting to climate change. Climate-KIC consists of an international network of companies, academic institutions and the public sector. Climate-KIC is one of the Knowledge andInnovationCommunities (KICs) created in 2010 by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), the EU body tasked with creating sustainable European growth while dealing with the global challenges of this time.

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Chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group, Gebru Jember Endalew, said “climate change is costing lives and livelihoods, particularly in poor and vulnerable countries so there is a need for urgent action by all countries. The LDC Group will continue to push for fair and ambitious action by all.”

“For many of our countries, keeping the global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius is a matter of survival. Therefore, we all have to work towards a cleaner, greener, low-carbon global society as soon as possible.”

“Protecting people, livelihoods and economies also requires adapting to the impacts of climate change that are already devastating communities, erasing hard-won development gains and forcing mass migration. In this regard, I am deeply concerned about the lack of available support for adaptation, leaving the poorest and most vulnerable in society to weather the worst impacts of climate change with the least means to cope. Meanwhile the Least Developed Countries Fund, a key source of support for adaptation planning and implementation, sits empty.”

“Many LDCs have made ambitious commitments under the Paris Agreement. However, these commitments cannot be implemented without substantial support, including technological and financial support. Many estimates suggest that more than $100 trillion is needed to transition to a global low-carbon society. The financial support committed by developing countries to date falls far short of this figure and is therefore woefully inadequate. The little that has nominally been made available through various funds and institutions continues to be inaccessible for our countries that the lack individual and institutional capacity to readily access those funds. In short, climate finance must begin to actually flow to the countries that need it and be scaled up drastically if we are to limit global warming to safe levels and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change across the globe.”

“Despite the challenges LDCs face, we are leading through action, for example by building on the successful launch of the LDC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Initiative at COP22. Through this initiative, LDCs are taking charge of their energy future and security and empowering our poorest communities to pursue sustainable development through equitable access to clean, sustainable and low-carbon energy.”

The LDC Group has already convened in Bonn for preparatory meetings from 1-2 May, to consolidate our positions and strategies ahead of the upcoming negotiations.

Significant pollution cuts and the transfer of finance and technology are needed in order to limit global warming to well below 1.5C, the limit identified by many scientists and social movements across the world.

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Mr. Nasrul Hamid MP, Honourable State Minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources was present as the Chief Guest on the concluding ceremony of the workshop on 16 April. Mr. Md. Helal Uddin, Chairman, SREDA; Mr. SK Sur Chowdhury, Deputy Governor, Bangladesh Bank; Mr. Md. Rahat Anwar, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Sylhet and Mr. Michael Schultheiss, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dhaka were present as the Special Guests. The workshop was chaired by Dr. Toufic Ahmad Choudhury, Director General, BIBM.

In his address as the Chief Guest of the event, the Honourable Minister urged the participants to recognise their role as valuable contributors towards the development of Bangladesh. Emphasising, that not only does green banking serve the commercial objective of the bank; it also propels Bangladesh towards meeting the needs of a growing economy in an environmentally sustainable manner. He also distributed certificates to the participants.

GIZ, through its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme (REEEP), is promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency in Bangladesh in close collaboration with SREDA. Promoting access to finance for green technolgoies under ‘Green Financing’ portfolio is a part of GIZ’s approach for scaling up these interventions. GIZ and SREDA launched a joint initiative in 2016 titled ‘Green Banking for Energy Sustainable Economy’, in partnership with Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) to strengthen the framework of Green Banking and the capacity of relevant stakeholders.

The two day workshop, attended by representatives from banks and financial institutions of Sylhet, aimed to increase the awareness and knowledge of participants in order to develop their capacity for financing Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) ventures. This is imperative for proper implementation and utilisation of green banking policies and schemes being promoted by the government, and building a stronger framework for green banking in the country.

The second day’s proceedings began with a welcome speech by Mr. Al Mudabbir Bin Anam, Programme Coordinator, REEEP. Mr. Siddique Zobair, Member, Joint Secretary, SREDA, gave an overview of the clean energy initiatives undertaken by the government. The workshop ended on an optimistic note, as the guests and participants opined that the benefits of a stronger Green Banking framework will not be limited to the sustainable energy sector only. Rather it will extend its positive impact across a wide range of green sectors and industries and contribute towards a greener and more sustainable economy.

ABOUT GIZ
GIZ An innovative partner for the global challenges of tomorrow –The wide range of services offered by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH are based on a wealth of regional and technical expertise and on tried and tested management know-how. We are a German federal enterprise and offer workable, sustainable and effective solutions in political, economic and social change processes.
Most of our work is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). However, GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries and public and private bodies in Germany and abroad. These include governments of other countries, the European Commission, the United Nations and the World Bank. We are equally committed to helping our clients in the private sector attain their goals.
The registered offices of GIZ are in Bonn and Eschborn. In 2015 our business volume exceeded 2.1 billion euros. Of our 17,319 staff in over 130 countries, around 70 per cent are national personnel working in the field. In our capacity as a recognised sending organisation, we currently have 730 development workers in action in partner countries. In addition, CIM, a joint operation of GIZ and the Federal Employment Agency, placed almost 1,000 integrated and returning experts with local employers abroad in 2015 while providing them with financial support and advisory services.*

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This International Conference was organized by the Ministry of Population and Environment (MoPE) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the participants explored a range of topics from climate financing and mountain communities to the social and business implications of climate change.

During the four-day conference, opinions differed among participants about what courses of action to take. But there was wide consensus about the need for regional cooperation, multi-stakeholder partnership, and scientific data to generate consequential, evidenced-based policy and climate action at all levels of government in the HKH.
The conference was the first IPCC outreach event in Nepal, and featured a special youth-focused workshop on the first day in collaboration with the Himalayan Climate Initiative (HCI) and the Climate Alliance of Himalayan Communities (CAHC) as well as a media workshop. It brought together participants from all ICIMOD Regional Member Countries.

During the conference, IPCC scientists presented data and answered questions related to the 5th Assessment Report cycle. This report presented compelling and comprehensive evidence that human influence on the climate system is clear and the more we disrupt our climate, the more we risk severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts. Despite this grim outlook, the IPCC also concludes that we have the means to limit climate change and build a more prosperous, sustainable future. The International Conference provided pathways for the 6th Assessment Report process and established linkages between the HKH and the IPCC bringing science into policy and practice.
Dr. Bishwa Nath Oli, Secretary MoPE communicated Nepal’s commitment to climate action and mitigation. He emphasized the country’s efforts to promote climate-smart development, focusing on adaptation and mitigation efforts. Dr. Min Bahadur Shrestha, the Vice-Chairman of Nepal’s National Planning Commission, further emphasized that “Sustainable mountain development should be high on the development agenda for countries in the region.”

Mr. Basanta Shrestha, ICIMOD’s Director of Strategic Cooperation, also noted the importance of communicating and promoting the mountain agenda for the IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report cycle and highlighted the role of the mountain youth, “Since youth are our future, they need to be involved in the debates so they can be well informed about climate science and fully engage as change agents at the local, national and international levels.”

As the IPCC enters its 6th Assessment Report cycle, it is critically important that national and regional assessment and reporting contribute to the reporting process. ICIMOD’s Director General, Dr. David Molden, focused on the potential for HKH countries to pool their resources and efforts to create a larger singular voice for mountain people. “Mountain countries, like island states,” Molden told the audience, “can create a shared voice in climate negotiations to influence others to work together to reduce emissions.”

Positioned to contribute directly to the IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report cycle, ICIMOD has led the Hindu Kush Himalayan Monitoring and Assessment Programme (HIMAP) which brings together hundreds of scientists and policy experts from the region and around the world to address knowledge gaps in the HKH and chart a way forward. Dr. Philippus Wester, HIMAP Coordinator, explains that “The HIMAP comprehensive assessment goes beyond climate change to assist with efforts to address threats, act on opportunities, and scale up cutting-edge approaches.” The publication of the first Comprehensive Assessment of the HKH in 2017 is planned as a wide-ranging, innovative evaluation of the current state of knowledge in the region and of various drivers of change and their impacts. The assessment will also put forth a set of policy recommendations aimed at improving legislative action related to climate change throughout the HKH.

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NGO News Desk

The aim of the Summit is to exchange best practice and lessons learned (including mistakes made) from recent disasters and conflicts, as well as explore innovations for better, safer and more efficient humanitarian relief, and facilitate high level networking for building and strengthening partnerships among public, private and civil society stakeholders.

More than 70 recognised experts will share updates on UN procurement strategy, innovations in data management and communication technology, best practice in humanitarian logistics, lessons learned from recent disasters, global initiatives in health resilience, good practice in emergency health & WASH, innovations in cash-based programmes, and financing of disaster relief projects.

This year’s programme consists of panel debates and interactive roundtable discussions to discuss the most pertinent questions around emergency response and resilience. The Summit features world-class keynote addresses including Harvey Johnson, Senior Vice President, Disaster Cycle Services, American Red Cross and Elizabeth A. Zimmerman, Associate Administrator, Office of Response & Recovery (ORR), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Humanitarian technology expert, Patrick Meier, Co-Founder, WeRobotics, Digital Humanitarian Network; Founder, Humanitarian UAV Network, who will deliver the keynote presentation on humanitarian technology and robotics and Dr Thomas R. Frieden, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who will discuss preparedness and response to Zika virus.

With over 8 hours of unparalleled networking opportunities and diverse exhibition area with innovations from over 30 selected product and service providers, the Global Disaster Relief Summit provides an interactive platform for stimulating cross-sector collaboration and high-level industry discussions.

Participants are also invited to join Virtual Disaster Simulation, an interactive learning lab, which uses virtual and live action role-playing to simulate post-disaster supply chains for key commodities to better understand and build a resilient supply chain. The session is hosted by NRS International and facilitated by the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN).

Global Disaster Relief Summit will take place on 7-8 September 2016 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre in Washington D.C. providing plenty of opportunities to exchange experience and ideas for developing technically sound international humanitarian and development assistance.

For more information about the Summit, please visit https://disaster-relief.aidforum.org

Join the conversation! Follow #AIDFDisasterRelief or @FollowAIDF

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Between 1990 and 2015, 2.6 billion people gained access to improved drinking water sources, yet 700 million people still do not have access to clean and safe water. The 2016 United Nations World Water Development Report estimates that some 2 billion people require access to improved sanitation, with girls and women especially disadvantaged. Despite progress, 2.4 billion are still using unimproved sanitation facilities, including 946 million people who are still practicing open defecation.

Addressing challenges of access to safe drinking water and sanitation, water quality and safety, as well as examining solutions for water treatment and wastewater management in rural areas and during crisis are the focus of the vital panel discussion on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Innovations & Good Practice at the upcoming AIDF Asia Summit on 21-22 June 2016 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.

Water and sanitation are crucial for ensuring effective health response during emergency situations. Hear from Dr AnurakAmornpetchsathaporn, Director of Bureau of Public Health Emergency Response, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, who has confirmed to speak at the AIDF Asia Summit.

WASH Partnership & Initiatives will be explored in a roundtable discussion lead by LalithDassenaike, Regional Manager & Coordinator GWP Advisory Centre, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Sri Lanka.

They join water experts from civil society, UN agencies, governments, investors, research institutes and the private sector to provide an updated on Health Programmes for Disease Prevention and Control in South East Asia. Current health threats, regional health programmes and vaccinations, testing, monitoring will be amongst the topics for discussion.

Providing adequate drinking water supplies, disease-preventing sanitation facilities, early warning and resilience for water-related disasters remain major challenges. Therefore improved technologies, better research as well as closer collaboration and partnership between various levels of government, aid agencies, UN, investors and private sector are critical.

Dr Shamika Sirimanne, Director of Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, UN ESCAP commented on previous AIDF Asia Summit:

“I think AIDF summit is very good summit and has brought together very different stakeholders across government, UN agencies, private sector & NGO’s into one platform to discuss the frontier developments in addressing disaster reduction and other sustainable development agendas. Going forward UN will come with sustainable development and what we are discussing in the meeting that AIDF has organised is how especially the Asia Pacific region and South East Asia can prepare for achieving sustainable development goals that the UN will be bringing in near future”.

Hear first-hand from experts at UNESCAP, USAID, Save the Children, UNOPS, IRFC, FHI 360, IRC, UNESCO, IOM, WFP, Habitat for Humanity International, World Vision, ADPC, GIZ, and many more.

AIDF aims to bring all actors together in one room to tackle these important issues on water security, sanitation and disaster management.

To learn more about water related issues in South East Asia and take action to make a difference, visit https://goo.gl/w6CnAL or email Alina O’Keeffe at [email protected] to request participation.

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NGO News Report

Bangladesh needs $2.6 Billion per year by 2030. In total, developing countries needs least $50 billion per year by 2020, and at least $150 billion per year by 2025 from rich countries in public financing to climate adaptation.

These are the outcome of ActionAid’s new report named “Mind the Adaptation Gab”, just before COP21. The report released globally on 17th November, 2015 is among the first to calculate the actual amount that rich countries should pay as grant. Grant-based adaptation financing to developing countries is paramount.

While rich countries are hesitant to increase the total amount of grant-based finance provided to cope with climate change and adaptation in developing countries; Bangladesh needs 40 billion USD from 2015 to 2030 to address adverse impacts of climate change, according to the Government of Bangladesh’s INDC published in September 2015.

“The impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities in Bangladesh and other developing countries are already massive. Approaching COP21 in Paris we need to see a road map that shows the scaling-up of public finance to at least $50 billion per year by 2020, and at least $150 billion per year by 2025, so that developing countries like Bangladesh can start implementing the adaptation work that is so urgently required, says”Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid Bangladesh.

In the report, Mind the Adaptation Gap from ActionAid International asserts rich countries’ financial responsibility to support developing nations to adapt to the climate crisis. The report is based on investigation in six countries is the first to calculate the actual amount that rich countries should give based on estimates for future global adaptation need, and to compare this to their adaptation finance contributions so far.

The calculations show that rich countries are falling well short of providing adequate money to help people in poor countries already suffering the harsh impacts of climate change.
The report finds:
The USA needs to increase its contributions by more than 154 times, from the US$0.44bn it gave in 2013 to a fair share of US$67.5bn in 2025.
France, host of December’s landmark climate conference COP21, needs to increase its contributions by more than 75 times to meet its fair share, from the US$0.07bn in gave in 2013 to US$5.5bn in 2025
·European Union members collectively need to increase contributions by more than 11 times to meet their fair share, from US$3.2bn in 2013 to US$36.9bn in 2025.
Australia needs to increase its contributions by 20 times to meet its fair share, from US$0.22bn in 2013 to US$4.4bn in 2025.
The rich and emerging economies contribute to almost 80% of the global emission where Bangladesh contributes only about 0.16% (0.4 tonnes per capita)- this is almost negligible considering any calculation especially population and development needs.

According to the report, Rich developed countries, which have produced the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in the earth’s atmosphere and have the most historical responsibility for climate change, must acknowledge their obligation to support developing countries to adapt to climate change impacts. This must be done through providing means of implementation such as climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building.

The report comes as world governments prepare for the UN climate conference COP21 in December where a landmark global deal on climate is expected to be reached.

“It not fair Adequate grant-based, not loan based climate finance will be a key barometer of success for the world’s leader at the climate summit in Paris next month. Rich countries must deliver their fair shares of adaptation finance in the new global deal’, says Farah Kabir

Report says, Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Adaptation in these countries will be challenging, costly, and must take place in addition to ongoing development efforts. There is still a great deal of assessment, trial and learning to be done with regard to adaptation. Investment in technology, communications, infrastructures, institutions, training, outreach and many other approaches will all be required

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The seminar was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD), other speakers of the seminar were Dr Golam Rabbani of Bangladesh Centre for Advance Studies (BCAS), Dr Sharmind Neelormi and Ziaul Haque Mukta of Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood (CSRL), Dr Abdul Matin of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Qumrul Islam Chowdhury, General Secretary National Press Club and President Forum of Environment Journalist Bangladesh (FEJB), Kawser Rahman, President Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum (BCJF), Sayed Jahangir Hossain of Coastal Development Partnership (CDP), Sajid Raihan, Deputy Director Action Aid Bangldesh and Board Member CANSA, Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishok Forum and Aminur Rasul of Unnayan Dhara. Syed Amunil Haque of EquityBD has presented key note presentation.

In key note presentation Sayed Aminul Haque EquityBD urged four points in respect of SDG implement, which are (i) uphold the primacy of human rights, (ii) tackle inequality and the over concentration of wealth, (iii) rain in corporate power and (iv) stop militarization and war. Dr Abdul Matin of BAPA and Kawser Raham of BCJF criticized present Forest and Environment Minister role in last Lima Climate Conference, as they said it was loss of Bangladesh achievements of past decades leading image in climate negotiations, which was influenced by consultants and bureaucrats who work not for the interest of people, and the Minister also avoided the tradition of inclusive and transparent process Bangladesh team leaded by previous Forest and Environment Minister and Dr Quazi Kholiquzzaman country’s lead economist and environment scientist.

In summing of the presentations and deliberations of the seminar, Ziaul Haque Mukta of CSRL, and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD mentioned that in Lima the Bangladesh delegation did not followed Prime Minister position, even they also criticized Bangladesh representative role in Green Climate Fund (GCF) who did not oppose loan provision for Least Developed Countries (LDC) from GCF, Prime Minister position was declared in parliament that Bangladesh can not accept loan for climate adaptation as Bangladesh is not at all responsible for climate changes. They proposed five points demand in this regard (i) Prime Minister (PM) to lead the climate delegation preparation, position and all process which should be inclusive and transparent, (ii) delegation must demand a legally binding climate agreement, (iii) developed countries must commit and enhance their target so that there will be global temperature within 2 degre celcious by the year 2100, at present rate which suppose to cross 6 degree, which will be huge catastrophes for the earth, (iv) Bangladesh must demand a work program on climate migration in view of Cancun agreement para 14 f, (v) For mitigation and adaptation for Country like Bangladesh and other LDCs and MVC there must be IPR (intellectual property regime) waivers.

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They also urged the Bangladesh Prime Minister to demand a clear and effective guideline of financial arrangement that is required to make the SDGs successful, specially in the least developing countries. These demands were placed from a human chain titled ‘Dear PM, tell our voice in UN: Legally Binding Climate Agreement is Indispensible for SDG Implementation’ which was organized by EquityBD and supported by CANSA and Action 2015. 23 organizations participated in the event.

A written statement on behalf of the organizers were read out by Mustafa Kamal Akanda of EquityBD, among others Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishak Federation, Subal Sarkar of Bangladesh Bhumihin Somity, Jayed Iqbal Khan of Bangladesh Krishak Federation, Aminur Rasul Babul of Unnayan Dhara, Kader Hazari of ARPAN, Abdul wahab of Jatiyo Sromik Jot, Kazi Hafizur Rahman of Public Service Institute also spoke at the occasion.

Mustafa Kamal Akanda Said, Bangladesh is losing 2-3 billion dollar each year due to the Climate Change impact, though Bangladesh is not responsible for the climate change. Since there is no legally binding arrangements, countries responsible for climate change are not wiling to reduce carbon emission, which results about 60% increase in the Carbon emission.

To reduce carbon emission and to save the countries like Bangladesh a legally binding Climate Treaty is must and it is indispensible towards the implementation of SDGs. No development goals can be fulfilled without proper arrangement on facing the challenge of climate change.

Bangladesh is also experiencing a huge number of climate forced migrants, there should be a separate protocoled under the UN recognizing these migrants as Universal Natural Person. As almost all the World leaders will be in the summit, our Prime Minister should use the opportunity to raise the issues on behalf of the people of Bangladesh and also of the LDC countries.

Aminur Rasul Babul said, it was calculated that to achieve MDGs Bangladesh would need 3.5 billion foreign aid per year, but Bangladesh got aid of only 1.58 billion dollar. It is evident that, rich countries failed to fulfill their commitment of fanatical support towards least developed countries. To achieve SDGs financial and technical support will be needed, this time a clear and effective structural arrangement of financial support from the rich countries must be there.

We demand this arrangement from this summit. Badrul Alam Said, Farmers are not responsible for climate change yet they the sufferer. We are paying for consumerism of the rich countries. As the leader of agriculture based country, our prime minister should raise this issue.

Kazi Hafizur Rahman said, To ensure effective achievement of SDGs,least development countries should be equipped with capcity of facing the challenges of climate change. Rich countries should recognize their historical responsibilities and they must come forward to ensure financial and technical support to the LDCs in this regard.

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Mr. Hasan speaks while chairing the concluding session of the three-day meeting of South Asian CSO and Parliament Leaders on Strategies towards SDG Summit and CoP (Conference of Parities) 21 at Paris. The meeting is held at Hotel Crown Plaza of Kathmandu, Nepal organized by Beyond Copenhagen and Pairvi of Delhi.

It is to mention that, UN general assembly is going to adopt the Sustainable Development Agenda as the roadmap for the post MDG era and in December this year Paris is going to host the 21^st Climate Conference of Parties (COP). This strategic meeting, that’s why, takes place in Nepal to sort out the possible strategies of South Asia in those international negotiations.

Mr. Om Thanvi, a senior journalist and the former editor of Janasatta-e-Hind, newspaper from Delhi, moderates the concluding session. The other distinguished speakers of the session are the former Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. Madhab Kumar Nepal, former Energy Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat and Jorunalist Ajay Dixit, the Editor of Water Nepal.

On behalf of South Asian civil society Mr. Soumya Dutta and Mr. Ajay Jha from India, Mr. Hemantha Wathanga from Sri Lanka and Rezaul Karim Chowdhury from Bangladesh speak on the occasion. Mr. Bijoy Prathap from India gives vote of thanks on behalf of the organizers.

Former Energy Minister of Nepal Dr. Prakash remarks about the potentialities of energy cooperation in South Asian countries for further advancement of the sub-continent.

Former Prime Minister Mr. Madab Kumar Nepal reiterates the need of mass awareness and the unity of the region’s politicians through it to work together addressing the common cause of the member countries.

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The inauguration session of the meeting is chaired by Dr Hasan Mahmud, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment and Forest of Bangladesh. Dr. Hasan says during the inauguration, South Asians civil society have to work with politicians to make the LDC (Least Developed Countries) and South Asian voice louder in the CoP (Conference of Parities) 21, the Climate Conference in Paris.

A number of Parliament Members and civil society leaders from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka take part in the meeting. Mr Bijoy Prothap of South Asia Dialogue on Ecological Democracy (SADED), India moderates the inauguration session while Mr Soumya Dutta of Beyond Copenhagen Collective from India speaks.

Mr Bijoy Prothap in his speech emphasizes on mobilizing South Asian leaders to place their own issues to be discussed in the global SDG and Climate Change talks. He adds, almost all the LDC will be the MVC (Most Vulnerable Countries) by Climate Change.

Mr Soumya Dutta of Beyond Copenhagen says, SDG is going to be adopted in next UN General Assembly but there are hardly any debate going on in South Asia on it.

Dr Hasan Mahmud as the Chair of the inauguration session gives importance to the interaction between the civil society and politicians on the topic. He puts examples on how a good inter-government cooperation in South Asia can solve energy scarcity in the sub continent. He mentions how Bhutan has increased per capita income to $4000 by using hydro power and exporting it to India.

Dr. Hasan also mentions how Bangladesh as an LDC could be affected by climate change. He urges civil society of the sub region to work with politicians so that South Asian and LDC voice can be louder in Paris Climate Conference.

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Experts said these in High Level Multi-logue on ‘Loss and Damage from Climate Change in Banglades’ on Thursday afternoon at Long Beach Suites Dhaka. They engaged in a conversation with experts across sectors towards collective solutions that reduce and manage loss and damage so that social, developmental and environmental gains are sustainable.

The event jointly organized by ActionAid Bangladesh (AAB) and the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) brought together government, business, INGOs, NGOs, academics, donors and multilaterals talking about the losses and damages from climate change faced by the country.

” Loss and damage will occur if we do things badly. We have a cyclone happening in July now in Bangladesh. Climate change is going to make things more erratic,” said Dr. Saleemul Huq, Director of the International Centre for Climate and Development

“We have representation from researchers academics, development organizations, government and private sector as well. Somehow we need to come together, because we can’t work in silos on this issue,” said Farah Kabir from ActionAid Bangladesh.

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) reduces vulnerabilities to hazards through better preparedness and management of resources while climate change adaptation (CCA) enhances resilience to climatic uncertainty. Loss and Damage (L&D) are the impacts of climate change that people cannot cope with or adapt to. For a long-term climate resiliency strategy, we need to have synergies between DRR, CCA, sustainable development, and L&D.

Bangladesh experiences both economic (property, infrastructure) and non-economic (lives, ecosystems) loss and damage from climatic change. The losses and damages on business and society from climate change impacts cannot be ignored and there is a need to come up with adequate solutions to minimize and manage such losses and damages.

“We will push this issue of loss and damage harder and forward and we need inputs from all of you,” said Dr. Nurul Quadir Joint Secretary (Environment) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and member of the Executive Committee of the Warsaw International Mechanism on Loss and Damage at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The Multilogue Series is a dialogue initiative driven by ActionAid Bangladesh, in collaboration with Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), to actively promote discussions about emerging disaster management and climate change issues. By continually engaging new and existing stakeholders, the goal is to develop comprehensive resiliency strategies.

More information about this program

The Multilogue Series is a dialogue initiative driven by ActionAid Bangladesh, in collaboration with Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), to actively promote discussions about emerging disaster management and climate change issues. By continually engaging new and existing stakeholders, the goal is to develop comprehensive resiliency strategies.

2015 is a pivotal year the international community, who look to establish the next phase of Development Goals (from MDGs to SDGs. This Multilogue series was born after the 2012 UN Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Sendai with the 1st session aimed to establish linkages between the forthcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SGD) and a post-Sendai framework for DRR. A crucial aspect of that process pertains to international governmental commitments and agreements that combat climate change; to establish a post-Kyoto Protocol framework which will be negotiated at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris this December, 2015.

The second edition of the Multilogue series aims to further unpack the key elements of climate resiliency strategies leading into COP21 and beyond. Another important, yet underrepresented, component of climate resiliency – alongside DRR – is the concept of Loss and Damage (L&D). In the faces of a changing change, “future loss and damage is potentially of unimaginable magnitude” (Barbados, 2012).

Bangladesh Experience of L&D
Bangladesh, one of the most vulnerable to climate change (Maplecroft, 2010), experienced 247 extreme events from 1991-2011, equating to an average annual death toll of 824, and average annual financial loss of USD 1.7 billion or 1.18 percent of annual GDP. (Harmeling and Eckstein, 2012).

Floods in 2007 inundated 42% of total land area, killing 1,110 people, affected 14 million people, submerged 21,000 sq. km of agricultural land, completely destroyed 85,000 homes, damaged 31,533 km of road; and costing USD 1.1 billion (World Bank, 2010). Cyclones Sidr (2007) produced a financial L&D of $1.67 billion (Daspugta, et al., 2011) or 2.6% loss of GDP, with s death toll of 3,402. Severe cyclones are expected every 3 years in Bangladesh (MoEF, 2009)

The annual water-level in the south-west region is increasing by 5.5 mm/year (Rahman et al, 2011) where salinization is having a devastating impact on agriculture productivity), biodiversity and health issues. An estimated 62 cm rise by 2080 would equate to 4,690 sq. km or 13% of coastal region landmass being flooded (IWM & CEGIS) while 1 meter raise of sea level would equate to 17% of Bangladesh submerged under sea water (BCCSAP, 2009).

By 2050, the total additional investment needed to cope with a changing climate will total about US$2.4 billion, with an annual recurrent cost of more than US$50 million. The projection of damage from cyclone out to 2050 will result in an additional financial L&D of $4.56 billion, in addition to a conservative estimate of monetized loss from additional deaths and injuries of $1.03 billion (Dasgupta et al., 2011).

This Multilogue will explore:
– The harmonization of DRR, CCA, Sustainable Development, L&D for better preparedness and readiness activities;
– How key national institutions can mobilize and deploy appropriate resiliency measures where DRR, CCA and L&D approaches intertwine and influence each other
– The types of policy changes needed at the national level to integrate institutionalise climate approaches across the sectors;

– The systems needed to establish Common but Differentiated Responsibility amongst global community and the role Bangladesh plays.

The reality is: DRR & Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) measures are ‘capped’, subject to limitations and/or failure. Without the recognition and incorporation of Loss & Damage to development approaches, resiliency strategies will never be fully realized, complete or comprehensive. There is a need to consider the synergies, while respecting the difference between DRR, adaptation, mitigation, sustainable development and L&D.

This event, along with future discussion, will set an agenda that highlights the demands and expectation for negotiation at COP21 in Paris, which are crucial to establish a foundation on which comprehensive resiliency approaches can be build and expand.

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The important meeting brought in learnings from a review of conservation trust funds from across the world, and extensively discussed the background document that sets out the business case, and the memorandum and articles of association of the proposed trust fund, as well as defining the key milestones from proposal to implementation stages.

This is part of the effort being made by the three-year Darwin Initiative funded research project between the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and the Department of Fisheries to make recommendations for ways to enhance the effectiveness of the incentive-based fisheries management.

The Honourable Minister said: “I express my gratitude to the Darwin-Hilsa project for taking this initiative. Establishment of Hilsa Conservation Trust Fund is very timely when our hilsa fishery is under pressure of exploitation due to increase of population and climate change effects.”

Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) is one of the most important single-species fisheries in the Bay of Bengal. More than half a million people depend on it for their livelihood and 250 million Bengali people depend on it for nutrition.

But in the face of over-exploitation, scientists and policymakers feared a collapse of the fish stock in the near future, which led the Bangladeshi government to declare five sites in the fishing grounds as ‘hilsa sanctuaries’, where fishing is banned during the breeding season. To compensate for lost earnings, the government provides ‘affected’ fisher communities, which total more than 200,000 households, with food and alternative income-generating activities.

Dr Essam Yassin Mohammed, a senior researcher with IIED said: “The Government of Bangladesh is rare in that it recognised the impact of restricted fishing activities on fisher households and moved to compensate them. The Government’s actions are unique in that they have now been running this compensation without any external assistance for over ten years, for which they should be commended.”

The Honourable Minister added: “I hope that the workshop would discuss the Hilsa Conservation Trust Fund documents critically and recommend appropriate measures for improvement. Following this workshop, a revised draft document of the trust fund will be submitted to the Department of Fisheries for review and submit to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for further action. I give you assurance that all possible measures will be taken by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for establishment of the Hilsa Conservation Trust Fund in Bangladesh for sustainable development, conservation and management of our national fish.”

In another development on June 3 to 4, Dr Syed Arif Azad, Director General of the Department of Fisheries flew to Brussels to speak on the importance of the Darwin-Hilsa project learnings* for Bangladesh and other country governments, at the European Development Days Forum, alongside researchers from IIED and BAU.

Dr Azad said: “It was important for the Department of Fisheries to share Bangladesh’s unique learnings on fisheries management. We welcome the learnings from this research project and look forward to using them to make the Government scheme even more effective in the future.”

The project team also officially submitted both the background document and the memorandum and articles of association of the Hilsa Conservation Trust Fund.

Dr Azad said: “We will take these recommendations seriously and I hope they will enable us to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the incentive-based scheme for hilsa management. We will continue to work with IIED and other development partners to pursue the ratification process of the proposed Hilsa Conservation Trust Fund. We hope to see it up and running.”

About the organizers:

Bangladesh Agricultural University: Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) is the premier seat of higher agricultural education and research in the country. The university was established as the nation’s only university of its kind in session 1961-62 on the basis of recommendations made by the Commission of National Education and the Food and Agriculture Commission in 1959. The university formally came into existence on 2 September 1961. The missions of Bangladesh Agricultural University have been to develop the art and science of agriculture for the wellbeing of mankind, and to educate agriculturists of high standards of scientific, managerial and professional competence in harmony with the environment, and to share knowledge and skills with world partners.

Bangladesh Center for Advanced Studies: The Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) is an independent, non-profit, non-government, policy, research and implementation institute working on Sustainable Development (SD) at local, national, regional and global levels. It was established in 1986 and over 25 years and has grown to become a leading research institute in the non-government sector in Bangladesh and South Asia.

IIED: The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) is an independent, non-profit research institute. Set up in 1971 and based in London, IIED provides expertise and leadership in researching and achieving sustainable development.

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NGO News Report :: Citizen’s consultation on climate and energy ahead of COP21 at India chapter of global citizen’s initiativeorganized by TERI. Today was held in Delhi the World Wide Views debate on climate change and energy, organized by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) at the India Habitat Centre. This was part of a global initiative from the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

More than a hundred Indian citizens representing a variety of backgrounds was present to participate in this consultation. This day-long debate was opened in the presence of Dr Leena Strivastava, Acting Director general, TERI, and H.E. Mr François Richier, Ambassador of France to India.

The very same day, thousands of people around the world had a debate on the same issues, starting at dawn in the Pacific region and continuing until dusk in the Americas. France, as chair of COP21, will be interested in the results of this global consultation in the run-up to the Paris Climate conference at the end of the year.

The simultaneous meetings around the world focused on five thematic sessions:

• Importance of tackling climate change
• Tools to tackle climate change
• UN negotiations and national commitments
• Fairness and distribution of efforts
• Making and keeping climate promises

The results of this consultation for India were announced during the closing ceremony, chaired by Mr Nitin Desai, Member, Prime minister’s council on climate change, and H.E. Mr François Richier, Ambassador of France to India.

The results are available online on https://climateandenergy.wwviews.org/results/.

A summary for policymakers will be presented to policy makers during the intersession of the COP negotiations of 15th June.

This project has been initiated by the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). France being chair of the next Climate Change Conference (COP21), it provided technical support through the French National Commission for public debate, jointly with the Danish Board of Technology Foundation and Missions Publiques. This project is part of a series of initiatives to raise awareness and gather ideas and best practices in the lead-up to the COP21.

About TERI

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization deeply committed to every aspect of energy, environment, and sustainable development. From providing environment-friendly solutions to rural energy problems, to helping shape the development of the Indian oil and gas sector; from tackling global climate change issues across many continents to enhancing forest conservation efforts among local communities; from advancing solutions to growing urban transportation and air pollution problems to promoting energy efficiency in Indian industries, the emphasis has always been on finding innovative solutions to make the world a better place to live in. All activities at TERI move from formulating local and national-level strategies to suggesting global solutions tackling critical energy and environment related issues.

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NGO News Desk :: 

This will be the first formal negotiations to take up the ‘draft negotiating text’ that has been prepared as a part of the final outcome of December’s Paris Climate Summit.

The negotiations begin in the shadow of news that although the uptake of renewable energy continues apace across the world, the 12,000 year old Larson B Icesheet in Antarctica is on track to completely collapse by the end of the decade.

The December Paris Climate Summit is the deadline which was agreed in 2011, under what is known as the ‘Durban Platform’, for the delivery of two objectives:
Increasing the level of climate action, including the strength of targets and the provision of climate finance, in the pre-2020 period; and Developing a new agreement ‘with legal force’ to apply to all countries from 2020 onward.

To deliver greater pre-2020 action the negotiations are currently focused on ‘technical expert meetings’ where ideas about policy approaches are shared. The Bonn session will focus on “renewable energy supply.”

There has been a push by many developing countries to also include discussion of targets and finance levels specifically in the pre-2020 discussions. This will occur simultaneously to the “multilateral review” of countries’ current 2020 pollution targets.

One of the objectives of the Bonn session is to further streamline the ‘draft negotiating text’ and to produce a version with clearer cut ‘options’ for governments to choose between.

In the lead up to Bonn several governments, particularly from rich industrialised countries, have announced their proposed ‘contributions’ (INDCs) to the Paris agreement for the post-2020 period. Almost all of these proposals have been ruled insufficient by science and it is unclear what impact such dangerous proposals will have on trust in the talks.

There will also be ongoing technical negotiations on issues such as forestry and land-use accounting, carbon markets, and financial reporting.

Key emerging questions for the Bonn talks will be:
How will governments address the lack of pre-2020 climate action?
Will the G7 meeting give guidance on the issue of climate finance?
How comprehensive will the Paris Agreement be?

Reactions from global civil society

“Storms are happening now, droughts are happening now, we demand action now. People are not going to settle for the very weak proposals we are seeing for 2025 and 2030. With current 2020 pollution targets, combined with the frighteningly weak 2025 proposals, it looks like the Paris Agreement will be historic for locking us in to as much as 4C of warming. Governments must know that scientifically, legally, and morally the test for Paris is action in the pre-2020 period. From the Philippines the simple test of these talks are: will pollution targets get stronger and will finance and technology be transferred to those who need it.” Lidy Nacpil, Coordinator of the Asian Peoples Movement on Debt and Development Movement on Debt and Development, said from Manila, in the Philippines.

“The leaders of the richest countries in the world are meeting simultaneously in Germany at the G7 and they must have climate on their agenda. We cannot wish away the climate crisis, it will take real effort and real commitment. That means a real commitment to stop funding dirty energy and to start funding the energy systems that people in Ethiopia and across Africa need. If there is no commitment on finance for renewable energy access, or to prepare our crops for warmer temperatures then there will be no deal worth the name.” Azeb Germai, focal point on climate at LDC-Watch, said from Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

“We know that climate change is not only about pollution caps going forward but also the historical emissions that got us into this mess in the first place. It’s been agreed under the UN Convention that those historical emissions create a responsibility on developed countries to transfer finance and technology. Many developing country governments will want to see the Paris Agreement deliver on those responsibilities rather than avoiding them. The options are there in the draft-text at the moment but they need to be cemented into the central agreement to have force and to give the world a fighting chance of addressing the climate crisis.” Meena Raman, negotiations expert at Third World Network, based in Penang, Malaysia said.

“The UN has been talking about renewable energy for two years now – it’s time to act. The evidence is absolutely clear, the renewable energy transformation can lessen our climate impact, end energy poverty as well as creating millions of clean jobs. All around the world people are already setting up publicly controlled renewable energy systems to power their communities. Climate scientists, citizens groups, global insurance companies, as well as the World Energy Council are all urging the UN to get behind this transformation. In Paris, people expect concrete outcomes on the ground and in their communities. Another talkshop is not going to cut it. We need real progress not more kow-towing to dirty energy lobbyists.” Asad Rehman, Head of International Climate at Friends of the Earth EWNI in London, UK, said.

“Governments are kidding themselves if they think they can walk away from the Bonn talks without getting more clarity on how adaptation and climate induced loss and damage issue will be treated. For the world’s most impoverished, marginalised, and vulnerable people the issue that matters most is whether they are prepared for climate change’s impacts when they hit, and whether they are compensated for their losses afterward. Loss and damage is a technical as well as a political issue – but it’s centrality in the climate deal cannot be ignored.” Harjeet Singh, International Manager for Climate Change and Resilience at ActionAid International, in New Delhi, India, said.

What outcome on pre-2020 action?
The Bonn Session includes only one afternoon to discuss the outcome on pre-2020 action, outside of the “technical expert meeting”, and this is likely to lead to an outcry from many countries including African and the Small Islands.

Despite the latest science confirming the urgent need to reduce climate pollution to avoid the most catastrophic of projected impacts, the pre-2020 ‘workstream’ has so far failed produce a clear outline of its final product.

This comes as the Bonn session will also see an interrogation of current 2020 pledges under the UN rules agreed in Cancun in 2010. The formal questions submitted by governments suggest that countries like Canada and Australia are off track to meet their essentially zero effort targets.

This follows on from a Ministerial meeting last June which was supposed to see the 2020 climate targets of developed countries revisited, but saw no movement, and the developed countries in Lima refusing to revisit their targets under the Kyoto Protocol.

In fact the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol has not formally ‘entered into force’ because too few governments have made a proper legal commitment to it, despite promising to do so in 2012.

This lack of action by the countries with the biggest history of climate pollution and the most wealth available to tackle it, combined with broken promises on revisiting their targets and legally binding them under the Kyoto system, is severely undermining trust in the talks.

Several observers hope that a more focused and collaborative approach on renewable energy supply could build on proposals by the African Group of countries for a global support programme to scale up renewables.

A key idea to be discussed is the Globally Funded Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff, which would ensure decentralized community controlled energy access for the almost 2 billion people without electricity – but without replicating the dangerous existing model of energy generation and distribution.

2. Climate finance the key to climate action

The Group of 7 (G7) of the richest countries in the world will also be having a heads of state level meeting in Germany in the middle week of the climate talks.

It is expected that the Leaders will issue a statement that will address some of the issues on the table in Bonn, and their approach will be indicative of the chances of a credible outcome in Paris.

Of greatest consequence will be the approach they take to ‘climate finance’ – both ending the funding of dirty energy through subsides; and spurring renewable energy through finance and technology transfers to developing countries.

In the over-arching Framework Convention on Climate Change, signed in 1992, developed countries took on commitments to make such transfers, but little has been realized.

The IPCC, the UN’s science panel, has recognised that for the world to confront the climate crisis these transfers will be essential; they also reflect a form of justice as it is developed countries who have contributed the greatest share of climate pollution currently in the atmosphere.

Whether developed countries are required to make specific finance commitments or only commit to an aggregate ‘global goal’, like the $100 billion per year by 2020 made in Copenhagen, is a key dividing line, with rich nations hesitant to spell out the details of how they plan to deliver.

Similarly, whether developing countries can make ‘conditional’ proposals – where they outline the extra climate action they will take if they receive further finance and technology – will be a central issue. India appears to believe this should be a part of the agreement. Likewise, Mexico includes a conditional promise to go above and beyond their provisional contribution, if such finance and technology are made available.

3. Will the Paris Agreement deal with all the climate issues?

An ongoing divide in the talks has been whether issues beyond pollution controls are included in the central agreement. These issues include adapting to climate change’s impacts, dealing with losses from those impacts, and transferring finance and technology.

Current discussions have considered a central ‘legal’ agreement with a package of other ‘outcomes’ supporting this. These other outcomes would most likely be the annual ‘decisions’ issued by the UN conference.

Given the devastating impact of climate change on millions of people, such as the current heat waves in India, many observers are emphasising the need to address issues beyond pollution control with legal measures.

In UN conference language this means countries taking on targets for finance and technology transfers, addressing adaptation, and including ‘loss and damage’ in the final central agreement.

At the last conference in Lima countries concluded that all these issues should be covered by the legal agreement in Paris. The current draft text includes these issues, but none of the ‘contributions’ proposed by developed countries do.

Bonn is likely to see further specification of the types of commitments developing countries want to see on these issues and whether industrialised countries are prepared to engage.

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The press conference is moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD while position paper is read out by Ahsanul Karim of same organization. Other speakers of the press conference are Aminur Rasul Babul of Unnayan Dhara Trust, Prodip Kumar Roy of Online Knowledge Society and Md. Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krisak Federation.

On behalf of the group, Md. Ahasanul Karim made eight point demands, those are (i). Any Bangladesh citizen holding duel passport must submit their detail annual information on bank and assets. Punishment should be imposed if tax evasion found. (ii). Govt. have to prepare a white paper and make it public on how many Bangladeshi people have taken “Malaysian Second Home and other citizenship process” through financing transaction from country. (iii). Inter-governmental agreement to be signed with different countries e.g. with Switzerland to exchange bank transaction information of Bangladeshi people as well as foreigners those are working in Bangladesh. (iv). Develop legal procedure and stop illicit finance through “Hundi Process” and dismiss the staff of govt. and non-govt. who are involved in this illegal process. (v). Govt. should replicate Indian initiative and introduce TIN (Tax Identification Number) for any purchasing or transaction above US$ 2000. If any irregularities are found, assets should be seized instantaneously. (vi). Investigation should be done to trace out the money flow and White Paper to be disclosed on financial plundering by “Bismillah, Hall Mark and other state banks and share market”. (vii). Government’s audit to be conducted on national and multinational companies and disclose a report on how much amount have been repatriating through under invoicing & over invoicing process. (Viii). Government should investigate the mobile banking and its financial transactions, because it is assuming to involve with money laundering through human trafficking in other South Asian countries.

Md. Ahsanul Karim mentioned that a total of US$18.41 billion had been siphoned off Bangladesh in 10 years since 2003 through trade miss-invoicing, corruption, bribery and tax evasion by a recent report of Washington-based Global Financial Integrity (GFI). That means, government could earn near about BDT 36,000 core as additional revenue and will able to invest in the development program.

Md. Badrul Alam of Krisak Federation said that enhancing domestic revenue is urgent as we fail to mobilize resource to our national ADP (Annual Development Program) without foreign loan. Mr. Prodip K. Roy said that the Bangladeshi citizen deposited Tk 3,236 core in 2013 that disclosed by Swiss National Bank report which is 62% increased than the year 2012 and demanded to disclose the details for transparency.

Mr. Aminur Rasul Babul said that under the “My Second Home” program of Malaysia total about 2370 nos of Bangladeshi citizens have taken this advantage since 2002 to 2013. He mentioned that about BDT10,000 crore has been transferred to Malaysia for flat and plot purchase.

Moderator of the press conference said that, for the sake of our garments worker and migrated labor people, govt. should stop illicit finance flow and ensure investing these amounts for our poor people and their socio-economic development, because they are earning foreign currencies for us.

The twenty one civil society organizations of this allise are Arpan, Online Knowledge Society, EquityBD, Udayan-BD, Bangladesh Sramik Federation, DSO, CDP, Krisani Sava, Jatio Sramik Jote, DOKAP, Nature Campaign-BD, Prantojan, BAFLF, Bangladesh Krisak Federation, Bangladesh Bhumihin Somiti, VOICE, Labor Resource Center, Sirajganj Flood Forum, Synergy Institute and Humanity Watch.

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In some way, the perception that obtains in the global dealings may have assumed an unrepentant record of discouraging outlooks but largely, if given a detailed and unbiased study, it will be well noted of the significant impact and range of reach with which every form of information and awareness has spread as regards the problems, causes and the possible means to solving the global issues that plague today’s world.

The zero emission future envisioning has remained on the frontline of climate activism and a top priority on the listing of adjustable means to a clean future.

To making this a reality, fossil fuel has been tagged with a label of total let go such that every form of subsequent energy generation and utilization is free of dangerous greenhouse gas emission.

The proclamation to rid the world of its dependence on fossil fuel has taken the order of the day globally and well assumed as a potential solution to sustenance of normal eco-human system of dependence.

Some countries have begun adopting alternative forms of energy production in the view of investing and engaging in innovative transformation that would ease up on their economical backrest on fossil related energy sources.

Solar power, wind power systems are gradually taking over the landscape of energy generation across the world and it looks of a certainty that the days of fossil energy are quite numbered.

However, while the energy substitution race has been swift for some countries and which has made such pioneers and leaders in the regards of alternative power generation some countries have not been doing so well especially in the regards of adaptation and wide acknowledgment for such major shift towards the future of humanity.

The spotlight of my thoughts in this regard beams largely on Nigeria, an economic giant in Africa whose largest revenue generation comes from her dependence on fossil fuel exploration.

The country however, before the discovery of crude oil was quite a country to be reckoned with in Africa and even in the world as an emerging economy with potentials of being among the world leading economies.

The period prior to the oil boom was typically an agrarian economy era with revenue proceeds coming from the cocoa produce in the west, the booming oil palms of the east and the well famous groundnut pyramids of the north and so much of accolades to show for that period of time, the establishment of the first television station in Africa and quite a number of other ground breaking achievements setting the nation as paramount in Africa.

Then, much attention was in the regards of land maintenance to supporting sustainable agricultural practices. The period was indeed the golden era of Nigeria with the strongest economic backbone coming out of Africa.

Suddenly, oil was discovered and scramble began, the oil market was good and gradually crude oil exploration took precedence as the sole revenue generating avenue for the nation and this has allowed for a narrowed economy to the extent that alternative deviation has assumed a significant level of impossible as observed in past attempts.

Now that the whole world is gradually turning towards the acceptance of clean energy forms and a shift of focus from fossil energy, one would wonder what countries like Nigeria would fall back on or rather the premise of their relative actions.

As the overall shift is quite imminent, Nigeria would have no other option other than to join the trend in the common evolution of humanity past the era of fossil fuel. Again, the question is, is Nigeria really ready or preparing for this major shift?

Despite the fact that the country has always assumed a position of wanting to be part of global trends, there are quite a lot of loop holes on the path to evolving with the rest of the world in putting an end to the use of fossil fuel. Still, while there have been quite a number of bills to put an end to gas flaring, the burning still forms an array of sights in the Niger delta region of the country and the country is yet to diversify her economy.

The recent crash in the international oil market had a lot of negative impact on the country as the period was quite a trying one socio-economical wise.

Perharps a move for change for the country would start with a gradual shift of focus from crude oil exploration to other possible, dependable and sustainable means for national revenue generation in order for a sound economic rejuvenation and environmental sustenance and if this approach is well guided, perharps most moribund policy drafting and passed bills on environmental interventions, climate change adaptation and mitigation would eventually come to the limelight of actualization and manifestation.

Nigeria has so much to gain from joining the rest of the world in the race towards developing on alternative energy solutions especially with the vast resources available for the adoption of such.

In closing i realize the fact that in the context of accepting changes, unlimited possibilities abound, a global clean future is achievable.

Bamidele F. Oni
Founder, Green Impact International

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A clean and tidy community increases dignity of the community people. On 5 March, 2015 at 11:30 am community people of 34 no ward (former 47), Work for A Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust, Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA), Dhanmondi Kachikantha School, Alif Ideal Public School jointly organized a leaflet campaign from Rayer Bazar Boishakhi Playground to Sankar Bus Stand.

The campaign was held to increase awareness among shopkeepers. In the campaign shopkeepers were requested to keep a basket for garbage and to clean their shop premises before closing it at night.

Shopkeepers were also requested not to pollute environment by throwing garbage here and there; to use dustbin and to encourage customers for using it, to use local garbage van, to clean shop premises befor closing at night, avoid throwing garbage in drains and sewerage line, and to persuade children for using garbage can rather than throwing it here and there.

Organizers said that it is the responsibility of the shop owners to keep the shop premises clean. Customers should be encouraged to use the dustbin. It is the responsibility of the community people to keep their locality clean. We want to build our area as an ideal one.

Social Worker Monjur Hasan Dilu and Ziaur Rahman Litu, Project Officer, WBB Trust, conducted the campaign. Besides Nurul Islam, Principal of Dhanmondi Kachikantha School; Jewel Hasan, Head Master of Alif Ideal Public School; Shanti Ribaru, Secretary-General, Grameen Atma Unnayan Center; Syed Mahbubul Alam, Admin (program and planning), WBB Trust; Maruf Hossain, National Advocacy Officer, WBB Trust etc were also present in the campaign.

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The expectations are quite high as the brand new series would be an all complete one, star studded with the big shots( big emitter nations) as usual and of course with the yet to come to the limelight actors ( light carbon footed nations). This time around the scripting is coming in a whole new dimension as each actor nation would have to come up with their most convenient and possible scripting that would fit the parts and roles allotted to each. While each actor nation already has an assumed role each based on their respective capacity and capability as portrayed overtime from previous roles played. However there exists the differentiating factor which distinguishes the well famous actor nations, well known for their relative high contribution to the global greenhouse gases concentration and of course the upcoming star nations, that are right on the climb , up the ladder of joining the big emitter nations.

One good thing about this new series is that all would have an equal chance of starring all at once and no one would be left out regardless of status or accolades acclaimed overtime. So the scripting has begun and the movie location is been set while all necessary preparation is put in motion to ensure a ground breaking success at the premiere of this brand new series in the save the world seasons.

The producers and the major stakeholders are really working in earnest to ensure a big success this time around as prior episodes had never recorded so much success and that was the reason for coming up with the individual scripting strategy which is well anticipated to ensure a predefined content that would reflect an all-inclusive approach for a comprehensive and well highlighted outcome. The anxious public who are also earnestly awaiting the release of this blockbuster are trying so hard to keep up with the scripting of the actor nations they idolize such that it conforms to the expectations with regards to the global view.

While the stage is getting set for the premiere of this much anticipated show and while every major stakeholder is busy with their scripting, a possible scenario of outcome is being postulated based on outcomes of prior engagements, the similitude of past attempts and agitation for the successful outcome which would fuel a possible captivating sequel in a dimension of progressive achievement. Would the INDC NOT END UP AS AN UNDERACHIEVING STRATEGY just like every other episode in save the World Series?

There are actually a number of questions to be asked here as regards the scripts already submitted and those that are yet to be submitted and the consideration is an all-inclusive one that concerns both the big actor nations and the upcoming actor nations. Are the scripts the best representation of their capacities in accordance to their pedigrees? Would there really be a balance of roles such that a platform of equity is set for a tangible outcome and again would there be the feasibility of the various localized scripts been drafted by the participating actor nations taking a ground of influence in their respective nations prior to and even after the premiering of the new block buster.

It is of course one step to let out the call, prepare the scripts, groom the cast, set the stage and it’s another step to ensuring the new episode live up to the expectations and become a positive influence on the public in such a way that subsequent request for a remake would be impossible as all that would be needed to be achieved had been achieved and the only possible sequel would be in another dimension of dynamism of innovations.

Bamidele F.Oni :: Executive Director of Green Impact International

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This is how we could obstruct the tidal surge and salinity intrusion at almost free of cost. Today in a discussion on remembering 29 April Cyclone of 1991 at the National Press Club the speakers mention this.

21 coastal right based organizations called a discussion on remembering the devastating cyclone of 1991 that killed almost 140 thousand people titled “Remembering Cyclone 1991 and Save Coastal Land” today at the National Press Club. The organizations are CDP, COAST Trust, Dak DIye Jai, DOCAP, Dwip Unnayan Sangstha, Grameen Jana Unnayan Sangstha, Humanity Watch,ISDE, MMC, Nalsity Model Unnayan Society, PALS, PGUS, PRAN, Prantajan, Sangkalpa Trust, Sangram, SDS, SPEED Trust, Udayan Bangladesh and YPSA.

The key speakers of the discussion are Mr. A K M Jahangir Hossaio, Member of Parliament from the coastal area, Mr. Naim Gawhar Wara of Disaster Forum, Mr. Aminur Rasul Babul of Unnayan Dhara Trust, Mr. Badrul Alam of Bangladesh Krishok Federation, Chowdhury Mohammad Masum of Sangram, Sed Aminul Huq of EquityBD, Hafez Kari Mawlana Abdul Khalek Sanobi, a survivor of 1991 Cyclone. Mustafa Kamal Akanda of COAST Trust moderates the discussion while Mr. Shawkat Ali Tutul of COAST Trust presents the keynote paper through powerpoint presentation.

Aminur Rasul Babul says, COAST implemented a pilot project on sustainable embankment management through rehabilitation of the landless people on it. The then government asked for a survey report from Water Development Board based on this successful project to implement all over the country. But that report was never published.

Naim Gawhar Wara of Disaster Forum says, isolated initiatives like embankment building or tree plantation is not enough to save the coastal land from huge erosion and salinity intrusion. It requires an integrated National Coastal Management Plan if we really mean the development. He adds, the cyclone shelters are not suitable for staying 48 hours or more with only 2 square feet of space for everyone. We need to introduce cyclone resilient houses in the coastal area. It requires resource.

Badrul Alam of BKF says, the rich and industrialised countries are solely responsible for the natural disasters in the southern countries. They have historical responsibility of colonial extraction and environment pollution. So, we need to be strong enough to negotiate the compensation in the climate conferences.

As the chief guest of the discussion Mr A K M Jahangir Hossain MP says in his speech, the canals inside the embankments are not taken care though those could be quite useful to drain the water out of the embankment. He adds, there are sluice gates that are being misused by the rich and local influential people and they are causing harm to the farmers by water logging or dryness.

Syed Aminul Huq of EquityBD says, Government should spend money for a permanent and appropriate embankment instead of spending lot of money every year in the name of repairing. Thus the coastal land could be safe and would stop the migration towards the cities.

Shawkat Ali Tutul depicts the sufferings of the people from tide and flood in Bhola and Cox’s Bazar during the last two years in his PowerPoint presentation and recommends for concrete embankments, as the soiled one is not strong enough to remain facing acute erosion and flood.

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Dhaka Metrapolitan Police (DMP) declared smoke free all festive areas in Dhaka including Ramna Park (most popular national event in Batomul inside of this park), Sohrawardi Udyan, TSC, Shahbag etc. Millions of people visited all this events.

To save non-smoker including child and women, DMP’s smoke free declaration is positive initiative for tobacco control. DMP shared information on smoke free throughout their promotional and informational process.

To sensitize mass people about DMP’s declaration on smoke free Pohela Boishakh, Bangladesh Anti Tobacco Alliance (BATA), Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust, Pratysha Anti Drug’s Club published and hang-on digital banner every festive event places. This colourful digital banners is contains with written message and no-smoking sign.

Activist also disseminated smoke stickers, leaflets, posters, banners and hang-on large banners in the event places. Anti tobacco activists also run rally at Basabo and Dhaka Univeristy area to create awareness on smoke free and tobacco control law.

BATA, WBB Trust, Pratysha creates mass awareness on smoke free environment as per tobacco control law since 2006. From 2010, Dhaka Metrapolitan Police (DMP) taking led this initiative with BATA, WBB Trust and Pratysha to ensure smoke free environments at each of public places. DMP also recived BATA national award 2011 for their anti-tobacco initiatives.

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Around hundreds of vehicles were stuck at the Khamar Bari intersection on Thursday at 10.00am. A bus driver of a minibus from Gabtoli (route # 22/A) was smoking cigarette sitting on his driving seat. His assistant was smoking another cigarette right on the entrance of the bus. Several women, who took their seats beside the driver, were trying to protect themselves by covering their noses from the cigarettes smokes attacking them from both the sides of the driver and his assistant.

Like this driver and his assistant, many of the people smoke on public transports or at public places, but smoking at such places or vehicles is a punishable offense after the Tobacco Control Rules, 2015 that has been passed in March 12 of the year.

To control the production, usages, trading and advertisement of tobacco and tobacco products, the government has formulated and passed the Smoking and Tobacco Products (Usages) Control Act in 2005 and the Rules for the act was formulated in 2006.

Due to some loopholes, the tobacco control law failed to work effectively. Thus, the law was amended accordingly in May, 2013. After 22 months of passing of the amended tobacco control law, its Rules have been passed in March 12, 2015. Earlier, it was told that the law cannot be implied properly for the want of Rules.

The new Rules contain sections to protect the females and children from the damages caused by passive smoking. Besides, the Rules has made a fine of Tk 300 for smoking at educational institutions, hospitals, office, court premises, covered workplaces and other public places and public transports.

Besides, the Rules also order to exhibit anti-smoking warnings ‘Do not smoke. It is a punishable offense’ both in Bengali and English language at the public places and public transports. There are penalty provisions too if the notices are ignored or not exhibited.

When asked about the tobacco control law implementation, S M Zahangir Alam Sarker, Additional Police Superintendent of DMP mass media cell, said “Public and private campaigns are required to raises awareness about the law. The law is being implemented in some cases. But it is not in full fledge for the want to publicity.”

PROGGA, a leading private research organization, works to enhance the capacity of mass media activists in tobacco control. A B M Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA said, “People who are assigned with the law enforcement are unaware of the law and they lack willingness in implementation.” “Public awareness should be increased to get the desired result of the law”, added Zubair.

According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009, around 4 crore and 13 lakh people aged above 15 years use tobacco. Following the WHO, 57,000 people in Bangladesh die of tobacco use and around 382,000 turns crippled.

Local and international tobacco companies are influencing the tobacco control activities in Bangladesh to sustain their business and consequently they are adopting different tricky measures too. Manipulation, direct and indirect political pressure, sponsorship on events, crating front groups to support them, financing in pro-tobacco research activities etc. are the very common methods that the tobacco companies adopt here. Marking the upcoming National Budget, they have started lobbying with the relevant bodies of the government so that they could get tax exemptions.

Tobacco companies are adopting different tricky measures to advertise their tobacco products in different parts of the country like displaying empty cigarette packets of retail stores in exchange of a monthly installment, offering small gifts to the cigarette sellers, decorating the stores, organizing concerts, arranging campaigns at the private universities in the guise of creating employment, the ‘CSR’ activities and many more.

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They have organized the press conference on the eve of inter state consultation on climate induced and disaster related displacement being happened in Khulna during the period of 3 to 5 April organized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh with the support of Nansen Initiative. Nansen Initiative is co chaired by government of Norway and Switzerland.

There will be more then hundred participants from fourteen countries of SAARC, Ocean region countries and also from different UN and international organizations.

Fourteen organizations are BAPA (Bangladesh Poribesh Andolan), BIPNetCCBD (Bangladesh Indigenous People Network for Climate Change and Biodiversity), BCJF (Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum) CCDF (Climate Change Development Forum), CLEAN (Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network), CDP (Coastal Development Partnership), CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood), Counter Foto, EquityBD (Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh), FEJB (Forum for Environmental Journalist in Bangladesh), LEADERS, PRDI (Participatory Research and Development Initiative ), Rupanator and Uddayan Bangladesh.

The press conference was moderated by Masan Meshed of CLEAN, he also presented the key note paper. Welcome speech was given by Rafiqul Islam Khokan of RUPANTOR, other speakers are Sharmind Neelormi of CSRL and Dr Ahsan Uddin of CGC, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD, and Tanveer Mahmud of Oxfam. The press conference was preceded by a photo exhibition of Din M Shibly and release of set of campaign post cards on climate forced migrants which was inaugurated by Shiekh Abdul Quayum, Chairperson, Khulna Citizen Forum.

Sharman Neelormi of CSRL mentioned growing climate displacement in Bangladesh as forcasted it will be around 30 millions by the year 2050, she also mentioned that civil society doing campaign on this issue since 2007.

Dr Ahsan Uddin said that high level carbon emitter ie developed countries should consider to take responsibility of climate forced migrants as they are responsible for all climate catastrohopes, he urged that our government need to prepare internal displacement policy in this regard.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury mentioned that government has taken an appropriate decision to have this inter state conference in Khulna with a field visit, as climate forced displacement are vivid in the locality.

He also mentioned that our Prime Minister has taken right policy to take this issue in international forums especially in UN, as Bangladesh alone hardly be able to manage this displacement issue, but our respective ministries yet to place formal proposal in UN.

Tanveer Mahmud of Oxfam said that may be the Nansen Initiative is a means to take forward the issue in international level. In the key note presentation on behalf of the group Hasan Mehedi elaborated the detail demands from civil societies.

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The seminar presided over Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of the Palli Karma Shahyak Foundation (PKSF) was jointly organized by Bangladesh Poribesh Angolan (BAPA), Bangladesh Indigenous People Network for Climate Change and Bio Diversity (BIPNetCCBD), Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum (BCJF), Coastal Development Partnership (CDP), Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood (CSRL), Equity and Justice Working Group Bangladesh (EquityBD), Forum for Environmental Journalist in Bangladesh (FEJB), Participatory Research and Development Initiative (PRDI) and Oxfam. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD moderated the seminar while Sayed Aminul Haque of the same organization and Din M Shibley of Counter Photo presented the key notes.

Among others Ziaul Haque Mukta, Regional Policy Coordinator, Oxfam, Qumrul Islam Chowdhury of FEJB, Tanvir Ahmed of Oxfam, Anowar Islam babu of Jatiyo Krishak Jote, Dr. Ahsan Uddin of Centre for Global Changes.

In his key note presentation Sayed Aminul Haque mentioned that, Bangladesh has been experiencing climate induced mass displacements. It is predicted that, due to sea level rise 17.5% of total landmass will be inundated and about of 31.5 million people will be forced to be displaced.

It is also predicted that, due to river bank erosion displacement rate will be increased to 12.37% from 9.35 at present. The seasonal or temporary migrated population will be increased by from 10 % to 20%. Bangladesh itself hardly has sufficient ability to manage these climate induced displaced population, because of the high density of population already.

The density of population currently is 964 per sq Km which is feared to be 1300 per Sq Km within 2050. The key note presentations recommended, an internal displacement policy in this regard, which will help Bangladesh to pursue relocations and rehabilitations policy measures in international and UN level.

Qumrul Islam Chowdhury said that Bangladesh climate negotiation team has to be prepared from now that how they will be influencing the Warsaw International Frame Work on Loss and Damage which will be finalized in UNFCCC Conference of Parties to be held in Paris at the of 2015.

Ziaul Haque Mukta said, Bangladesh government has passed the Disaster Management Act which includes the issue of rehabilation on disaster related displacement, but there are hardly any details in rules. Prime Minister has been demanding separate international protocol on climate induced displaced but so far the foreign ministry is yet to submit any official submission on this regard in United Nations.

Dr. Ahsan Uddin Ahmed said, climate induced displacement has been recognized and proposed to work in the Cancun adaptation framework, but Bangladesh have been failed to take any advantages. We have the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategic Action Plan, but there are gaps on what specific adaptation plan related to regarding climate induced displacement in national level.

Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said, we had been able to play vital roles in the climate change negotiations during the previous five years. But from the last year we are a bit lagged behind in this regard. Concerned ministries and authorities and all should take initiative to revamp it.

He mentioned that Bangladesh has succeded to include climate change as a goal and one indicator related to climate induced displacement in Post 2015 discourse and in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). He said Nansen Initiative has given us an opportunity to pursue other states to on this agenda to place it UNFCCC Paris negotiations.

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At the same time as the conference has been taking place, Cyclone Pam has devastated Vanuatu, decimating entire villages and leaving at least 47% of the country’s population affected.

5 days UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction came to an end on 18 March 2015 in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. ActionAid Bangladesh has participated in the conference with strong voices about the perspectives of countries like Bangladesh.

The agreement announced this morning falls short of what is required for the international community to prepare adequately for disasters, which will increase in scale and frequency in the next decade as a result of climate change. Rich countries have avoided making the commitments required to ensure that the world’s populations, particularly those in poor countries who are most vulnerable to climate-related disasters are prepared, spokespeople from ActionAid said today.

Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh said, “Without adequate investment to eradicate poverty and reduce risks, we will see women disproportionately impacted by disasters. Promoting women’s leadership is critical for achieving this. Violence against women and girls will continue to rise significantly when disasters strike, and women’s income and food security will be affected”

“Rich nations have pushed making financial commitments to reduce disaster risk to a separate round of financing negotiations later in the year. How far down the road poor nations have to go to be risk secured? Without greater commitments on financing, the results for vulnerable communities in poor countries will be catastrophic” added Farah Kabir

Harjeet Singh, ActionAid International Policy Manager on Climate Change, said this late evening, “Seven global targets agreed in the new disaster risk deal is a step forward. However, weak targets without numbers and no commitment to finance make them meaningless for those most vulnerable in developing countries.

“Over the past four days in Sendai, we have seen rich nations gradually erode commitments to deliver money to developing countries to prepare for and respond to increasing disasters and climate change impacts”, Said Harjeet.

This World Conference has been attended by over 180 of the world’s governments has provided an opportunity for world leaders to agree upon an international strategy for dealing with disasters over the next fifteen years.

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Environment and Social Development Organization-ESDO in collaboration with Asian Center for Environmental Health jointly hosted a consultation for the discussion of: alternative dental amalgam curriculum; development of guidelines for the control of, supply and manufacture of mercury amalgam; the management of mercury waste, and for the ultimate elimination of mercury from dentistry on a national scale.

In association with World Alliance for Mercury Free Dentistry (WAMFD) the consultation titled “Legislation & Alternative Curriculum towards Mercury Free Dentistry” was held yesterday, March 14, 2015, Saturday, at 10:30 am at Taj Lily Green, House #751, 11th Floor, Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

The following high-profile guests were present at the event: Major General Md. Jahangir Hossain Mollik, Directorate General of Drug Administration, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Gov. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh as Chief Guest; Brigadier General Golum Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Advisor Specialist in Dentistry, Combined Military hospital, Dhaka, as a guest of honour. Syed Marghub Murshed, Former Secretary, Government of Bangladesh and Chairperson of ESDO presided the program. The keynote speaker of the program was Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Secretary General, ESDO; Vice President (South Asia), World Alliance of Mercury Free Dentistry, and UNEP Mercury Expert.

In his address, Brig. General Golum Mohiuddin Chowhury, Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of national regulation to ban the use, import and sell of mercury amalgam by 2016-2020. He said, “It is a high-time that the Government of Bangladesh thinks about the phase-out of mercury amalgam.”

Within the discussion, Assistant Professor, Dr. Mirza Arifur Rahman, Joint Secretary, Bangladesh Dental Society commended ESDO’s recommendation to stop the use of mercury amalgam in the treatment of women and children by the end of 2015.

In his closing remarks, Major General Md. Jahangir Hossain Mollik, Chief Guest, said, “We highly support ESDO’s drive to develop an alternative dental curriculum. One outcome from ESDO’s initiatives in the field of dentistry is that we have prepared a draft standard guideline for the use of restricted drugs and materials, including mercury amalgam, for use in hospitals, chambers and private clinics.”

Addressing the group, Dr Hossain, keynote speaker, said, “If awareness about mercury in dentistry is created then we can create a momentum for policy and implement mercury-free alternatives in time to fulfil the Minamata Convention by 2020.” The Minamata Convention is a United Nations-led global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury.

The session chair, Mr. Marghub Murshed, expressed his pleasure at the active participation of all participants and their willingness to join the various initiatives of mercury free dentistry. He urged for strong steps from all dentists and institutions to put a stop the use of mercury amalgam for fillings.
During the event, all distinguished guests shed light on the issues and praise the efforts of ESDO jointly taken with Asian Center for Environmental Health and WAMFD.

Mercury in dentistry is a significant source of environmental contamination and a serious threat to public health. Mercury amalgam is routinely used by dentists as a filling material for cavities in teeth, but it can have major health implications that include memory loss and kidney and brain damage in children. Mercury also leaks into atmosphere and the water supply when it is used during dental procedures, causing mercury pollution, which can be harmful to fish and reduce soil fertility and productivity.

As a result, ESDO makes the following recommendations:
Ø Make it an immediate priority to stop the use of mercury amalgam in the treatment of children and pregnant women to be end now.

Ø Develop an alternative dental curriculum with a specific chapter on the dental restoration process of amalgam, its harm to dental staff, patients and the environment and safe removal procedure of existing amalgam filling by the end of 2015.

Ø Ratify Minamata Convention as soon as possible and impose import ban of Mercury.

Ø Pass national regulation to ban the use, import and sell of mercury amalgam by 2016

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NGO News Report ::

The main objectives of the project are to create public awareness, as well as strengthening capacities to replace mercury-added products and ensure the environmentally sound management of end-of-life mercury-added products in Bangladesh. Dr. Abu Jafor Mahmood, Mercury Researcher and Retired professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka shared some information about how this mercury released into the environment.

He said, “It is notable that the products and equipment contained mercury or mercury compound have been frequently used in Bangladesh but most of the consumers are unknown about the fact. The equipment containing mercury and mercury compound have been imported into Bangladesh since long, which resulted into mercury release in the environment after disposal of such equipment”.

Workshop was chaired by Syed Marghub Murshed, Former Secretary, Gov. of Bangladesh and Chairperson of ESDO. He highlighted the fact that identification of mercury-added product and categorizing them is of great concern at the national level.

It is important to investigate their (mercury’s) trade and waste management, and identify opportunities for substitution by mercury-free alternatives. Mr. Murshed describing the notion of ESDO mercury-free initiatives and said that, ESDO has decided to run the project in order to facilitate such inventories of  mercury added products and identify the emission sources.

He urged the relevant stakeholders to extend their possible support to implement the project successfully. To present the overview of the project UNEP Mercury Expert and ESDO Secretary General Dr. Shahriar Hossain said, this project specifically focus on Identify mercury-added product categories of concern at the national level, investigate their trade and waste management, and identify opportunities for substitution by mercury-free alternatives.

He informed that the project aimed to assist the government to understand opportunities to control the import of mercury-added products and to promote mercury-free alternatives in accordance with the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

One of the major objective of this project is to create awareness on the hazards and risks of mercury among decision makers, relevant stakeholders, and the general public, in particular women, he added. Amongst others Mr. Mahmood Hasan Khan, Director (AQM), Department of Environment, Dr. Mohidus Samad Khan, Assistant Prof. Department of Chemical Engineering, BUET, Dr. Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Proffessor, Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, Khaleda Ahsan, Chief Engineer (add charge), DPHE took part on the discussion.

Over 80 professionals, experts and government from MoH&FW, MoEF, MoCom, MoI, DoE, DAE, DU, JU, BUET, BCSIR, City Corporation, BSTI, BDS, BARC, BPDB, paediatrics, electronic, jewellery, cosmetic, battery industries, Manufacturers Association, media participated in the inception workshop.

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The inception workshop on “Reduction of demand for mercury, in mercury containing products in Bangladesh” will be held on March 5, 2015, Thursday at 10:30 am to 1:00 pm at Taj Lily Green, House # 751, 11th floor, Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

Dr. Abu Jafor Mahmood, Professor (Retired), Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka will accompany with Syed Marghub Murshed, Former Secretary, Gov. of Bangladesh and Chairperson of ESDO; Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Co-Chair, Asian Center for Environmental Health and UNEP Mercury Expert and Siddika Sultana, Executive Director, ESDO.

Professional experts from different government ministries, departments and Universities (DU, JU, BUET, BCSIR, City Corporation, BSTI, BDS, BARC, BPDB, Manufacturers Association etc.) and tread organizations representatives will attend.

The call to action and the workshop are both designed to encourage the effort towards the ratification and early implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and facilitate use of the provisions so as to manage mercury-added products in an environmentally sound manner.

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NGO News Desk ::

Doctors now find themselves on the front lines of two increasingly connected issues: protecting human health and the earth’s climate. This coming May, at the World Health Organization’s 68th World Health Assembly, countries are poised to adopt the first resolution on air pollution and health. This resolution will help mobilize the health sector to coordinate action to reduce the nearly 7 million premature deaths annually due to air pollution, including 2.6 million due to outdoor air pollution and 3.3 million due to indoor pollution in the Asia-Pacific region alone.

To do this there will have to be a concerted global effort to curb emissions of a variety of air pollutants from many different sources. Several of these pollutants have adverse impacts on both health and climate. Because they ‘live’ in the atmosphere for a relatively short time, they are called ‘short-lived climate pollutants’ (SLCPs). Unlike the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2), which has an atmospheric lifetime of centuries, the concentration of SLCPs in the atmosphere drop rapidly after emissions are cut, leading to a quicker noticeable effect on the climate. In many cases, taking action to reduce SLCPs also reduces carbon dioxide, which is the most critical greenhouse gas in the long-term fight on climate change.

Two major short-lived climate pollutants that cause air pollution are black carbon and methane. More than half of the world’s black carbon and methane emissions are from Asia.

Black carbon is emitted into the atmosphere as tiny particles (‘soot’) that are created during incomplete combustion in sources such as cooking and heating stoves, heavy-duty diesel vehicles, open burning, and brick production. Black carbon is a key component of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5). When inhaled, PM 2.5 penetrates deep into our lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Black carbon particles also contribute to climate change by absorbing sunlight and warming the atmosphere. In the Himalayas, black carbon contributes to the melting of glaciers and to changes in monsoon cycles – with implications for water availability and agricultural production.

Reducing human exposure to black carbon from cookstoves alone could cut premature deaths in the Himalayan region by as much as three-quarters of a million people per year, possibly many more. Broaden the focus to include diesel engines, brick production, and other pollution sources and the number goes even higher. The effect on agriculture could be just as dramatic: more than 15 million metric tons of staple crops could be added to the region‘s food supply with the reduction of black carbon and other pollution.

Methane is a very powerful greenhouse gas, especially in the short term, with a warming potential up to 20 times that of carbon dioxide. About 60% of methane emissions are from human sources – primarily agriculture (livestock rearing and rice production), fossil fuel production and distribution, and municipal waste and wastewater treatment. While methane itself does not directly affect health, it reacts in the atmosphere with other gases to create tropospheric ozone. When inhaled, ozone can worsen bronchitis and emphysema, trigger asthma, and permanently damage lung tissue. It also attacks plants, leading to substantial declines in agricultural productivity.

A global resolution on air pollution and health would put health professionals at the forefront of air pollution reduction. Doctors are in the best position to advise patients on steps to reduce their exposure by doing things like wearing appropriate face masks while on the road or near emission sources and encouraging people to stop burning household waste in or near their homes and workplaces. Doctors can teach the public that exposure to air pollution does not only put lungs at risk, but it raises blood pressure. In fact, globally chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and lung cancer are not the number one air pollution-related killer; heart attack and stroke are responsible for more deaths. Doctors can also convince policy makers of the merits of lower-emitting systems of public transport, improved solid waste collection, clean cooking and heating stoves, and cleaner brick production.

Clinic and hospital administrators can play a leading role in promoting clean air policies by reducing air pollution in their own facilities and vehicles as well as educating patients, policy makers, and other key stakeholders about the health and climate benefits from reducing air pollution. For example, heavy-duty diesel ambulance vehicles can switch to cleaner fuel, clinics can replace kerosene lamps with solar-powered ones, and hospitals can launch awareness campaigns on the health and climate benefits of reduced air pollution.

By doing so healthcare professionals will be supporting a growing coalition of countries and organizations working to reduce short-lived climate pollutants in a way that maximizes benefits to climate, health, and agriculture. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants is a partnership set up in 2012. Today, the Coalition has more than 100 members representing countries, international organizations, NGOs, and private industry.

The Coalition has launched 11 initiatives, including in the Himalayan region, to address the main sources of air pollution. Specific initiatives focus on urban health, cookstoves, diesel engines, agriculture, municipal solid waste, and brick production. Organizations such as the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) are leading efforts in our region. Given the potential these initiatives have to provide cross-cutting and practical solutions to some of our biggest health, development, and environmental issues, it is expected that more countries and organizations throughout Asia will see the multiple benefits of joining the Coalition.

The Coalition’s Working Group, its main governing body, will meet in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 22 to 27 February to discuss the work of the Coalition around the world as well as in the region. For more information, see the website: www.ccacoalition.org or contact the Coalition’s secretariat at [email protected].

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NGO News Desk :: 

Climate Action Network members made the following comments on the closure of the UN session:

It’s good news countries have given a stamp of approval for a new draft version of the climate agreement that will be the basis of negotiations through the year and that it features a wide range of options to deal with mitigation and to provide support to help developing countries prepare for climate impacts including a loss and damage mechanism.

There’s been a seachange in the dynamics here thanks to the open and consultative approach of the Co-Chairs. Countries also came ready and willing to work. The spirit of Geneva needs to be kept alive, as we move to on to deal with crunch issues like the need to scale up financial support for action and how to treat richer and poorer countries fairly, and loss and damage – which has the potential to be a make or break issue for Paris.

Julie-Anne Richards, Manager International Policy, Climate Justice Programme

All eyes must be on political leaders now, as they are the single most important influence that will shape the final outcome of a new global climate deal in Paris later this year.

There are important political moments outside of the UN climate negotiation process – at both ministerial and Heads of State level – on the road to Paris where they can demonstrate their intentions, such as the G7, the G20 meetings, and the SDG Summit.

The first test of political will and influence inside the negotiating process will come in the period from March to June when countries announce their plans to reduce emissions and, we hope, provide financial resources for the post-2020 period.

Tasneem Essop, WWF head of delegation to the UNFCCC

As the talks here in Geneva come to a close, people around the world are taking part in Global Divestment Day, a worldwide effort to move money out of the fossil fuel industry and into a clean energy future.

That’s what these negotiations need to do, as well: send a clear signal to investors that the age of fossil fuels is coming to an end.

Jamie Henn, Strategy and Communications Director. 350.org. CAN is calling for a complete phase out of fossil fuel emissions and the phase in of 100% renewable energy by 2050 with sustainable energy access for all. Climate Action Network (CAN) is a global network of over 900 NGOs working to promote government and individual action to limit human-induced climate change to ecologically sustainable levels.

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The DSDS 2015 assumes significance as the post-2015 development agenda is being finalized — the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is expected to adopt the new set of goals in September 2015 and the climate negotiations (Conference of Parties – COP21) will be held in Paris later this year.

Dr R K Pachauri, Director-General, TERI, said: “We need to redefine growth and development. The North and the South will have to work together to come up with sustainable solutions. We cannot achieve sustainable development unless we meet the aspirations of the people. To move towards a low carbon economy, we need to come up with innovative solutions.

We need buildings and shopping malls that can reduce energy consumption by 50 per cent. We need clean and affordable transportation systems and learn from countries that have made cycling as an efficient mode of transport. We need a technological transition to de-carbonize the global economy. We need a strong agreement in Paris, which should be open to scrutiny and monitoring.”

Prof Jeffrey D Sachs, Director, Earth Institute & Special Advisor to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, said in a video message: “Though most governments have said they have accepted the 20C limit target, they are yet to implement carbon reduction measures. There is no back-up plan. Climate funds of $100 billion a year is not much, considering the scale of the global economy. We need to harness clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and nuclear energy and bring about a transformation in our energy policies to move towards a low carbon economy. We need research and demonstration of low carbon technologies. ”

At a session on ‘Climate Change: Ethics, Equity and the Poor’, Dr Rajiv Gupta, Principal Secretary (Water Supply Department), Principal Secretary (Climate Change Department) & Managing Director, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited, said: “Sustainability is ultimately a moral issue. Our ancient scriptures have always underlined the sustainable use of our natural resources. Climate change has exposed the vulnerability of poor people. The issue of equity is at the core of the climate change debate.”

“But there are ways to overcome the crisis. For example in Gujarat, the establishment of water infrastructure provided water security to more than 11,000 villages. This was possible only due to the vision of one man – Shri Narendra Modi, who is now the Prime Minister of India. Only a strong political leadership can overcome ‘inconvenient truths’,” added Dr Gupta.

Dr Arvid Hallén, Director General, The Research Council of Norway, said: “As we march towards a new climate agreement in Paris, we must reaffirm the issue of ethics and equity. Climate change is about social and economic justice, and we must address these issues. As Indian Minister Piyush Goyal said yesterday, developing countries cannot take the sole responsibility for climate change. Rich nations must take the lead to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this complex process, the context and interests of the poor must be reflected.”

“Access to clean water and clean energy are the core issues of climate change. Over 80 per cent of diseases are water-related and by 2020, the gap between water demand and supply will increase by 50 per cent. Therefore, collaboration is very important. Contamination of water bodies needs to be addressed by various stakeholders. Lastly, it is not important just to build toilets for access to clean sanitation; they must be used as well,” stressed Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, Chairman, HSBC India, & Executive Director on the Board of HSBC Asia-Pacific.

“India is the ultimate laboratory for development; It is also a terrific field to analyze how development processes work. While dealing with climate change, we must remember that we have a responsibility towards the poor,” said Dr David M Malone, UN Under-Secretary-General & Rector, United Nations University (UNU).

Ms Ekaterina Zagladina, President, Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates, said: “No one will escape from the effects of climate change. Further, there is the issue of justice – those who are suffering the most are not responsible for climate change.”

Among the highlights of day was the launch of a partnership between TERI and UBrain TV to widen the outreach of sustainable development issues and sustainable solutions.

About DSDS

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), since 2001, annually organizes the DSDS, an international platform to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on all aspects of sustainable development. Over the past 14 years, it has emerged as one of the foremost institutions on issues of global sustainability. The flagship event of TERI brings together various Heads of State and Government, thought leaders, policymakers, and the crème de la crème of industry and academia to deliberate on myriad issues. Till date, the Summit has hosted over 36 Heads of State, ministers from over 50 countries and delegates from across continents. The Summit has evolved as a significant congregation of leaders from the fields of polity, economy, academia and civil society to deliberate on issues related to sustainable development. For more information, please click: https://dsds.teriin.org/2015

About TERI

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization deeply committed to every aspect of energy, environment, and sustainable development. From providing environment-friendly solutions to rural energy problems, to helping shape the development of the Indian oil and gas sector; from tackling global climate change issues across many continents to enhancing forest conservation efforts among local communities; from advancing solutions to growing urban transportation and air pollution problems to promoting energy efficiency in Indian industries, the emphasis has always been on finding innovative solutions to make the world a better place to live in. All activities at TERI move from formulating local and national–level strategies to suggesting global solutions tackling critical energy and environment related issues.

Headed by Dr R K Pachauri, also the chairperson of the Nobel Peace Prize winning climate change body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), TERI has emerged as an institution of excellence for its path-breaking research, and is a global brand widely respected by political leaders, policymakers, corporate entities as well as the civil society at large.

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NGO News Report ::

The report reads that family members of the tobacco growing farmers used to be sick for round the year and they do not get any loan for food crop cultivation as well. According to PROGGA, a leading private research organization in Bangladesh, there is no state policy to discourage farmers from tobacco cultivation and thus the tobacco companies are aggressively expanding their business using the marginalized farmers, following the report. PROGGA also alleged that the tobacco companies are making profit using the subsidized facilities of the government, reads the report.

Experts, at a recent Policy Dialogue, opined that tobacco Cultivation is damaging about 1 to 2 per cent of the GDP which needs immediate attention. National Parliament member, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, comprehending the disastrous impact of nationwide tobacco cultivation, has called for formulating a National Platform and the other MPs present there agreed with the proposal and promised playing important roles in the coming Parliament session, says the report.
The detail of the report is available on the following link:
https://www.bhorerkagoj.net/epaper/2015/02/05/9/details/9_r2_c2.jpg

Khagrachharhi farmlands turn tobacco prey. Khagrachharhi farmers have started preferring tobacco cultivation on their farmlands since the companies are alluring them, the government monitoring system is sluggish and mostly they are unaware of the negative impacts of tobacco farming, reads a report on the Daily Suprobhat on February 5, 2015. Precious forestlands are being burnt to bake tobacco leaves and the smoke emitted from the burning is creating serious health hazards for the local population and simultaneously the lands are losing fertility, reads the report. The detail of the report is available on the following link:
https://www.esuprobhat.com/content/2015/2015-02-05/zoom_view/2015_02_05_9a.jpg

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Since 2008, every year an average of 27 million people globally were forced to leave their homes as a result of disaster, such as flood, windstorms, earthquake, or drought. The people who are compelled to move are particularly vulnerable and need special protection and assistance.

“Between 2008 and 2013, 46 million people were displaced by disasters in South Asia alone. In a densely populated region with 1.7 billion people, a single event can have massive consequences and trigger large-scale population movements for which we need to prepare. Displacement can have devastating effects on people’s lives”, insisted Prof. Walter Kaelin, Envoy of the Chairmanship of the Swiss/Norwegian-led Nansen Initiative.

“The protection gaps for those migrating in the context of disasters are clear and present, requiring an urgent and immediate response from states, the international community, and civil society”, said Anoop Sukumaran, Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN). “These challenges can only be addressed through strengthened and effective collaboration. The Nansen initiative provides a platform for advancing the protection agenda in a holistic manner based on effective partnerships”.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), climate change is predicted to further increase the frequency and intensity of disasters, raise sea levels, and change rainfall variability, threatening human settlements, infrastructure, natural resources and livelihoods and prompting even higher levels of population movements. Mountain regions like the Hindu Kush Himalayas are extremely vulnerable to climate change.

The meeting, entitled ’Climate Change, Disasters and Human Mobility in South Asia’, brought together more than 70 representatives of affected communities, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It was jointly organized by the Nansen Initiative, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), who hosted the event, and APRRN.

This meeting feeds into the Nansen Initiative’s bottom-up approach to better understand human mobility dynamics linked to disasters in South Asia and to identify how countries and communities adapt to climate change, and prepare and respond when a disaster strikes.

“With the rising frequency of natural disasters across the Hindu Kush Himalayas, building resilient communities, mitigating displacement, and providing social protections for the displaced are major concerns for governments and civil society in the region”, said Eklabya Sharma, Director of Programme Operations at ICIMOD.

“National policies on development, adaptation, poverty reduction, and disaster risk reduction must acknowledge the important role labour migration and remittances could play in meeting the adaptation needs and welfare requirements of remittance recipient households”, he added

The meeting’s outcomes contain a set of key messages for the Nansen Initiative intergovernmental South Asian Regional Consultation that will take place in Dhaka, Bangladesh in April 2015. They include the following:

· Call on governments in the region to work closely with civil society to develop national and regional policies to address the protection needs of displaced people and migrants in the context of disasters and climate change.

· Increase efforts on building resilience of communities living in disaster-prone areas to allow them to stay in their homes by strengthening community-based disaster risk reduction activities, like flood early warning systems and evacuation plans.

· Prepare for planned relocation in situations where environmental degradation puts people’s lives and livelihoods at risk, ensuring close consultation with all affected communities.

· Call for a research agenda to better understand the nexus between environmental factors and human mobility and to generate better data on the characteristics and needs of people on the move in the region.

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