Climate change: An issue of great importance

What is climate change?
Climate change refers to changes in long-term trends in the average climate, such as changes in average temperatures. In IPCC usage, climate change refers to any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity. In UNFCCC usage, climate change refers to a change in climate that is attributable directly or indirectly to human activity that alters atmospheric composition. Our planet is surrounded by a blanket of gases which keeps the surface of the earth warm and able to sustain life. This blanket is getting thicker, trapping in heat as we release greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels for energy, and as we cut down forests and replace them with agricultural land.

As a result, our climate is starting to change. Scientific research indicates that, because of climate change, we may experience more intense and more frequent extreme weather events. A gradual increase in temperature also has major implications for ecosystems, growing seasons, animals and their habitats. Some changes to the climate are inevitable -- even if we stop emitting gases now, the gases we have already released will have an effect. However, we must do everything we can to avoid further changes and to adapt to the new situation we find ourselves in.

What causes climate change?
Understanding climate change is apparently somewhat difficult, however, there is now strong evidence and almost unanimous agreement that significant global warming is occurring. It is also likely that most of the recent warming can be attributed to human activities. Human activity has changed the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in two important ways. First, we have cut down forests to develop land for agriculture. Trees absorb carbon dioxide so, with fewer trees, more carbon dioxide builds up in the atmosphere. Also, the agriculture that replaces the forests can often be a source of emissions. Second, by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas for energy, we release greenhouse gases. Currently, burning fossil fuels emit about 6.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Since before the industrial revolution, which began in the 18th century, concentrations of greenhouse gases have increased by 30 per cent.

What effects will climate change have?
Even if we stop burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests today, the world's climate will still warm in years to come. There is a time lag between when the emissions occur and when we begin to feel their effects, so we have yet to experience the impact of the greenhouse gas emissions from the last 3040 years. Bangladesh is extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts because of its geographical location, high population density, high levels of poverty, and the reliance of many livelihoods on climate sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and fisheries. Bangladesh is at risk of the following disasters :

• Too much water during monsoon
• Too little water during the dry season
• Sea level rise
• Flood
• Riverbank erosion
• Drought
• Cold wave

How can we fight climate change ?
The only way of fighting climate change is to adapt to the changing situation. So, let's see what adaptation is. Adaptation is the adjustment in ecological, social or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects or impacts. Adaptation itself means changes in processes, practices, or structures to moderate or offset potential damages, or to take advantage or opportunities associated with changes in the climate (IPCC 2001). The following example of adaptation tactics will give an idea about how we should be prepared for climate change impacts. For the example Agriculture and Food security has been used as the thematic area.

Short-term interventions

• Insurance
• Livelihood portfolio diversification
• Adjusting timing of operations
• Changing tillage practices
• Using seasonal forecast information
• Storage facilities (creation of grain and animal-feed reserves at local level)
• Off-farm employment
• Creation of grain and animal-feed storage facilities at national level
• Set up or improve famine relief units for rapid dispersion of food aid
• Expand exploitation of other food sources (e.g. marine, freshwater)
• Soil and water conservation

Long-term interventions

• Changing crop/livestock mix
• Adoption of new crops and livestock more suited to anticipated climatic conditions (e.g. drought tolerant)
• Irrigation (water management)
• More efficient water use
• Land tenure reform
• Pursuing alternative livelihoods
• Rezoning of agriculture
• Encourage systematic use of soil and water conservation measures

Some recommendations for the government
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world in terms of climate change impacts. So, it has become an inevitable, and also a must, responsibility of ours to fight climate change impacts. In mainstreaming climate issues the Bangladesh government can fit it in national development frameworks, sectoral planning and budgeting processes, and in integrating adaptation measures in the implementation of development projects.

• Promote cleaner energy and transport technology, with non-fossil fuels
• Raise vehicle excise duty on fuel-heavy cars
• Act on non-energy emissions -- preventing further deforestation would go a long way towards alleviating this source of carbon emission
• Reduce consumer demand for heavily polluting goods and services.

Khandaker Lutful Khaled is a freelance contributor to The Daily Star.