Climate change risks are no longer a distant threat-they are an inevitable reality. This observation was made by Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, while speaking as the chief guest at the event titled “Discussion, Book Launching & Photo Exhibition on Lives on the Edge of Climate Change: Struggle, Hope and the Future,” held Thursday at the DrikPath Bhaban in Shukrabad, Dhaka.
In her speech, the Advisor stressed the importance of preparedness at the national level to face the impacts of climate change. “Adaptation must now be our key strategy,” she said. Highlighting the global dynamics of climate inaction, she added, “Reducing fossil fuel use is a necessity of the time, yet developed countries remain unwilling to compromise their interests.”
She noted that the Government of Bangladesh has already undertaken 42 projects under the Climate Change Trust Fund to address climate-induced challenges. Among these, 100 cold storage facilities will be established where farmers can preserve their produce free of charge. The government is also working to ensure that non-governmental organizations are eligible to apply for climate funding through necessary policy support. In addition, she informed that embankment repair projects are underway to safeguard communities in coastal areas, with emergency measures already being implemented.
The event was presided over by Tasmima Hossain, Chairperson of Breaking the Silence and Editor of The Daily Ittefaq. Among other distinguished guests were Mr. Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh; Dr. Shahidul Alam, eminent photojournalist, social activist, and founder of Drik Picture Library; Md. Rakibul Hasan Mukul, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests; and Md. Zahurul Islam, Additional Director General of the Bangladesh Water Development Board.
The Advisor later unveiled the book Lives on the Edge of Climate Change: Struggle, Hope and the Future and officially inaugurated the photo exhibition.