Khairul Alam, Dhaka: In a bid to combat climate change and reduce dependence on harmful biomass burning, young climate activists in the Satkhira district of Bangladesh have joined hands with the Youth Network for Climate Justice and the non-governmental organization Islamic Relief Bangladesh.
On Friday, September 15th, in the afternoon, a collaborative initiative was undertaken near the Datinakhali River in the Burigoalini Union of Satkhira’s Shyamnagar Upazila.
The project, spearheaded by Youth Network for Climate Justice and supported by Islamic Relief Bangladesh, aimed to temporarily halt the use of biomass burning, especially for generating electricity through diesel generators (known as ELNG) to reduce the country’s energy dependence.
During this event, the young climate activists emphasized the need to preserve and promote the sustainable conversion of biomass waste into usable energy.
They also called for the proper regulation of this process to ensure its environmental integrity.
Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, coordinator of the Satkhira district chapter of Youth Network for Climate Justice, along with members Shamim Hossen, Salauddin, and Tariqul Rahman from Islamic Relief Bangladesh, shared their insights during the event.
The youth climate activists stressed that the world is currently facing a critical time due to the adverse effects of climate change. Advanced countries must adhere to the Paris Climate Agreement’s target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, they urged multinational corporations not to invest in biomass burning without carbon offset measures to reduce emissions.
The government and investors must take responsibility for using harmful biomass burning in activities contributing to climate degradation.
Additionally, there is a pressing need to transition to sustainable biomass energy sources since the era of biomass burning has come to an end.
This global movement aligns with the “Fridays for Future” campaign, led by Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and driven by school students worldwide. Young participants carried placards with various demands related to climate justice and the environment.
In their efforts to combat climate change, the youth of Satkhira have taken a significant step towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible future.