DHAKA, Dec 23, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed preparing the youth to adapt to changes and rethinking development models and lifestyles aiming to address climate change.
 
She also focused on enhancing the nation's capacity to address climate change, allocating a larger budget, and ensuring its proper utilisation.
 
Rizwana came up with the observation while addressing a roundtable titled "COP29: Expectations, Reality, and Lessons for the Future" as the chief guest at University of Asia Pacific (UAP) in Dhaka.
 
She pointed out that the current economic model requires re-evaluation in the context of climate challenges, as geographical existence is under threat due to climate change. 
 
The adviser said there is no international definition of climate finance, and funds labeled under this category often fail to address the actual damage caused by climate change.
 
Addressing environmental challenges, she mentioned that 28 percent of air pollution originates from power plants, which remain inadequately controlled. 
 
She underscored the need for prioritising environmental justice alongside climate justice and called for immediate action to mitigate diminishing arable land and river pollution.
 
Rizwana said environmental catastrophes are minimising the country's adaptation capacity, not merely due to the lack of funds but because of systemic inefficiencies. 
 
To address these challenges at international level, she said, Bangladesh must establish a stronger political stance. 
 
The youth must be prepared to deliver the rights and politically correct messages in negotiations, Rizwana added.
 
The advisor encouraged universities to inspire students to innovate alternatives to polythene and plastic since such initiatives could bring significant change.
 
Dr Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University; Architect Mahbuba Haque, Chairperson, Board of Trustees (BOT), UAP; and Prof Dr Qumrul Ahsan, Vice Chancellor, UAP; were  present as special guests.

Prof Dr MA Baqui Khalily, Dean, School of Business, UAP, chaired the meeting while Professor Dr. Suborna Barua, University of Dhaka presented a keynote paper.
 
Shawkat Ali Mirza, Director, Climate Change and International Convention, Department of Environment; Dr Shah Abdul Saadi, Deputy Secretary, ERD, Ministry of Finance; Hafiz Khan, Environmental Lawyer; M Zakir Hossain Khan, Chief Executive, Change Initiative; Md Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive, Center for Participatory Research and Development (CPRD); Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary, Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra-DHORA; Barish Hasan Chowdhury, Campaign and Policy Coordinator, BELA; and Architect Mahbuba Haque, Chairperson, BOT, UAP; also spoke at the meeting.