On Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh (Goal 13)

On Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bangladesh (Goal 13)

Md. Amzad Hossain

Perth, Western Australia

Email: A.Hossain@curtin.edu.au

Goal 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts *

*Acknowledging that the UNFCCC is the primary international, intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change.

13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

13.3 Improve education, awareness raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

13.a Implement the commitment undertaken by developed country parties to the UNFCCC to a goal of mobilizing jointly USD100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible.

13.b Promote mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change related planning and management, in LDCs, including focusing on women, youth, local and marginalized communities.

Words of Wisdom on Climate Change:

For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that he must protect it in order to survive. - Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Nature does nothing uselessly. - Aristotle

Men argue. Nature acts. - Voltaire

Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet. - Roger Miller

The goal of life is living in agreement with nature. - Zeno

Prelude

            In the present day thinking climate change is seen as man-made climate calamity which is defined as “a change of climate that is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere …”(Hardy, 2003). A 1500- year old Scripture also reveals that “Mischief has appeared on the land and sea, because of (the need) that the hands of man have earned, that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from evil)” (Quran 30:41). Both the statements hold mankind liable for climate retaliation against exploitation and wasting of resources exceeding natural regenerative capacity of finite renewables in terms of their unsustainable consumption and production patterns. In order to renovate this created unsustainability the UN has come up with the idea of sustainable development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (UN, 1987). 17 SDGs are the components of sustainable developments; and the synergistic outcomes of the components are believed to result in normalizing climate change.

            This discourse reveals that combatting climate change can be observed by achieving SDGs by means of establishing a global culture of practicing sustainable development. It is also stressed here that the appearance of diverse climate change phenomena such as excessive floods and droughts are the natural renewables to renew degrading sustainability of Bangladesh. Untimely floods and droughts are, of course, considered in Bangladesh as the consequences of human misbehavior to nature.

What does the SDG 13 indicate about climate change?

SDG13 stresses that combating Climate Change is most urgent. In the target area 13a the UN urges to “implement the commitment undertaken by developed country parties to the UNFCCC to a goal of mobilizing jointly USD100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible”. This is a positive approach, of course. As indicated in all other SDGs, SDG13 also indicates that the developing countries need to combat climate change and the developed countries should pay for them. It is clear that this strategy adopted by the UN is unrealistic for achieving the goal. Because, man-made climate change requires worldwide united combating efforts. Angela Merkel reveals: “Climate change knows no borders. It will not stop before the Pacific islands and the whole of the international community here has to shoulder a responsibility to bring about a sustainable development” (https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/climate_change).

What is climate change?

            Climate change is phenomenal changes in climate behavior. The growing convincing scientific evidence shows that the physical pressures on the natural environment are caused by socio-economic factors associated with a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensive way of living of human population (IPCC, 2007; IPCC, 2013). The current climate change concerns the awareness about the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and the prospects of a grim future if the current trends continue. The physical evidence from the 5th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows the different global contributions of various economic sectors based on 2010 total GHG emissions (IPCC, 2014) with energy and agriculture having the highest global warming potential (both on a 100- and 20-year time horizon).

Why does climate change happen?

Climate change is part of natural cycles and occurs over time.  Literature suggest that the earth’s climate has changed over periods of millions of years. Long-term natural change resulted from volcanic activity releasing huge quantities of heat-trapping CO2 into the atmosphere and from the evolution of plants that removed CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis (Hardy, 2003). But, the recent human induced climate change appears to be occurring far more frequently than it used to be in the past.

Is climate change a climate calamity?

            Many believe that climate change as a phenomenon of climate calamity. The Bangladeshi culture offers an exceptional basis for perceiving climate change. The basis of belief regarding climate change comprises mysticism in nature. The culture tends to believe in harmonious relationships between all beings and non-beings in nature, and  between people and the natural world. “Some people gain while others lose” states a Bangladeshi proverb calling for a positive outlook of climate change events. This implies seeing and identifying the positive as well as the negative impacts of climate change. For example, excessive floods can bring further fertility to the inundated lands. When faced with the prospects of famine, and poverty caused because of unfavourable climatic conditions, people look for spiritual strength. They address vulnerability issues as per their cultural beliefs and values, especially through building up of cultural resilience in terms of brotherhood, sisterhood, simple living and respect for all in nature as the means for universal resilience practices.

What is people’s perception about Climate change in Bangladesh?

            The general perception about climate change in Bangladesh is diverse. First, the IPCC Fourth Assessment foreshadows bleak scenarios, including significant rise of sea level and sinking of coastal areas -- though some refute it with alternative views. Second, many see India’s unilateral withdrawal of the Ganges water in the summer as increasing desertification in the western half of the country. Third, religious and spiritual people perceive climate change as a result of human transgression of nature’s limits. The fourth view maintained by innate naturalists, such as Baul mystics, acknowledges all natural phenomena as the act of renewing sustainability.

            The people of Bangladesh tend to see the impacts of climate change as neither a curse nor a blessing. It has both positive and negative sides. The positive aspects that most people count are the evidence of increasing bumper agricultural yields. Thus, climate change is a blessing in disguise for the Bangladesh agricultural sector. This is in line with the IPCC’s Second Assessment Report, which concluded that global agricultural production appears sustainable in the face of predicted climate change (Lemons et al. 1998).

Munasinheet al. (2005: 210) also refers to studies showing that a temperature increase of a few degrees would lead to an increase in temperate crop yields. Hence climate change is still perceived positively by many notwithstanding its mostly short-term negative impacts, such as sufferings due to flash floods, untimely draughts and rains. It may also be the case that for Bangladesh the positive impacts of climate change eventually outweighs its negative impacts, particularly if they are valued with broader metrics than the limited economic measures (Adger et al. 2009).

How to live on the edge of climate change?

The Bangladeshi people can be seen as victims of global climate change, despite the fact that the country has one of the smallest ecological footprints on a per capita basis and overall has contributed very little to the high levels of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG). There are calls from the West, including Australia (e.g. Garnaut, 2008 and 2011) to be redressed. Despite this, the projections for Bangladesh remain bleak, as the global international community is yet to agree on a roadmap that could lead to the stabilisation and reduction of GHG emissions.

The Bangladeshi people, however, do not perceive themselves as casualties or sufferers or helpless to respond to the climate change challenges. They maintain a lifestyle that reinforces the regeneration of ecological goods. Spiritually they are intrinsically very close to nature. Inherent with this is a strong cultural resilience and most people are ready to cope with natural adversities.

How does Bangladesh Cope with Climate Change?

Adopting Baul philosophy, as the science of pro-sustainability lifestyle, has become part of popular culture in Bangladesh, especially for the rural folks, which offers a cluster of proverbial wisdom for all sustainability queries. People integrate sustainability queries through in their day-to-day living and decision-making:

‘Where there is a will, there is a way’, ‘failure is the pillar of success’, ‘money is not all’,

‘people are the slave of their environment’, ‘there is no happiness without sorrow’, ‘take

the bad with the good, ‘every time has its knowledge’, ‘when you are losing your

patience, try a little more patience’, ‘eat less to live longer’, ‘foolish is s/he who

overeats’, ‘desire for too much is ruining’, ‘what is (al) lotted cannot be blotted’, ‘to do or

die’, ‘cut your coat according to your cloth’, are some examples that are common in the

oral tradition of rural folks. These proverbs are considered as sustainability wisdom in

Bangladesh, for they convey a sense of values that belongs to the universal human

conditions (Fluehr-Lobban, 2004: 74; Afaz and Sattar, 1986). The people of Bangladesh

use such proverbs drawing on their spirituality to build resilience in order to combat the

negative impacts of climate change. Adgeret al. (2009: 271) argue that the local

knowledge embedded in the oral traditions displays a commitment to undertake active

measures in order to cope with any negative consequences.

How could USD100 billion annually (Goal 13a) be beneficial for addressing climate change in Bangladesh?

            While most researchers observe that the people of the technologically developed nations, who are also formally educated, are far more responsible for inducing climate change than their formally uneducated and technologically ‘traditional’ counterpart countries such as Bangladesh; then it is clear that a fragment  of USD 100 billion can be allocated annually to educate the educated of the developed nations who are inexperienced in achieving SDGs - so they can learn, understand, observe, experience and practice the climate friendly culture of Bangladesh.

            In order to provide education for combatting climate change by way of achieving SDGs, some amount of fund can also be spent for developing some ecologically sustainable multi-storied huts and cottages at the 17 SDGs Demo Model Project sites in Bangladesh where all the 17 SDGs are to be implemented by way of action research, in situ training and demonstration for replication. The Local SDGs Model Project Committee of the site at Lakshmipur Union under Atgharia Upazila has reached the stage of demonstrating ‘sustainable infrastructure’ (SDG 9). So the project can be funded in terms of technical and technological assistance, grants, and interest free medium term loan  for constructing 150 units of 4 storied green huts and cottages and other associated infrastructures including a conference hall, a dining hall, an entertainment centre, a picnic spot, and renewable energy supply.   

Where in Australia the action research programs on achieving SDGs in Bangladesh are being executed?

            Since 2016, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP) in Perth Western Australia has signed an MoU with the Governance Innovation (GIU) of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), CUSP has been running such programs in order to strengthen capacity building for the government officers. The trained researchers are implementing the SDGs Model Projects in Bangladesh. Subject to availability of the fund as solicited above, the SDGs intensive action research programs can also be conducted at the Lakshmipur SDGs Model Project in Atgharia, Pabna, Bangladesh.

What are the outstanding features of the SDGs Demo Model Projects (DMP) in sum?

One-stop SDGs Demo Model Project (DMP) is a direct and effective means for addressing SDGs across Bangladesh. The SDGs Demo Model Projects demonstrate the processes of achieving all the 17 SDGs in one particular project area. A suitable site is required comprising of village households, 3 to 4 Maujas with high, medium high, medium low and wet land (Beel/Haor) landscape where affordable multi-storied housing, sustainable agriculture comprising of various seasonal crops, vegetables, fruits, fishery management and SDGs centric tourism can be demonstrated.

 Bangladesh has got 5 distinct topographies (Barind 8%, Hill Tracts 12%, Flood plain 50%, Coastal 25%, and Charland 5%) and the topographies largely vary from one another. Thus, SDGs Demo Model Projects need to be topography specific.

We need at least 15 rural Model Project sites in 15 districts and 2 urban sites outskirt of Dhaka city (1 in Dhaka North, 1 in Dhaka South).

What are the outstanding features of the SDGs Demo Model Project (DMP) in Pabna district?

Highlights on Lakshmipur Demo Model Project in Atgharia Upazila, Pabna. Currently, an action research oriented DMP is being established at Lakshmipur Union in Atgharia Upazila, Pabna to demonstrate all the 17 SDGs including SDG-centric Tourism.

            On-farm sustainable agriculture including vermiculture is being demonstrated by BSRI, Ishurdi; BARI and DAE, Pabna; and Bangladesh Spice Research Institute, Bogra. Each organization has an on-farm demo project there. Officers from these organizations visit the project site regularly. They also conduct necessary training to the farmers and local SDG Committee members.

RDA, Bogra is currently in the process of introducing solar irrigation, 2 storied agriculture and SDG centric tourism framework planning. BMDA  has been involved in the project since 2016.

            The following government agencies are also working for the project area in order to address their respective SDGs:

Ministry of Land

Ministry of Water Resources 

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock

Anti-corruption Commission

Narcotic Control Commission

Ministry of Primary and Mass Education

Ministry of Social Welfare

Ministry of Madrasa and Vocational Education

The following dignitaries have visited the project so far:

DG GIU along with DC and other officers of Pabna

DG RDA and officers

DG BSRI and officers

Chairman BMDA and officers

Director of fisheries and other officers

Joint Secretary Ministry of Land and other officers

Director of agriculture and other officers

Who to approach to provide assistance for action research programs on combatting climate change through SDGs Demo Projects in Bangladesh?

CUSP at Curtin University or the author of this discourse.

Concluding Remarks

SDGs are the essential parts of holistic Sustainable Development. In other words, the 17 SDGs are parts of a sustainable development entity comprising of social, economic and ecological goals including normalizing climate change which are to be achieved in visible and measurable ways so that its replication in other places is possible. This requires action research (including research for higher degrees), in situ training programs to the government officers and local stakeholders, and demonstration of action research processes and outcomes.

The demographically depleting developed nations do not have spiritual underpinning that can work as the weapon for mitigating the current mode of climate change which is considered to be triggered and accelerated by the Western consumption and production patterns. We have referred to sustainable consumption and production patterns in our previous discourses published in the NFB (http://newsfrombangladesh.net/new/editorial/51091-on-achieving-the-sustainable-development-goals-sdgs-in-bangladesh-part-2)  Monday, June 26, 2017; and (http://newsfrombangladesh.net/photo-story/20) August 14, 2018.

It is clear that the educated of the developed nations who are inexperienced in achieving SDGs - they can learn, understand, observe, experience and practise the climate friendly culture from their formally uneducated and technologically ‘traditional’ counterpart countries, especially from the uniquely yet diversely sustainable Bangladesh. For Bangladesh, whatever you think, the opposite is equally true. In 1998, Bangladesh was the world’s poorest and happiest country.[i] Despite population density in rural and urban areas being among the highest in the world, the ecological footprint of its consumption is very light and stands at only 0.6 ha per capita (compared to 2.7 for the world and 1.8 for Asia; in fact, only Timor Leste has a smaller footprint at 0.4 ha).[ii] There is also the view that Bangladesh is underdeveloped because adult literacy rate stands at only 55%6 and in rural areas some 95% of its folks lack primary education. Novak, however, observes: "When you visit Bangladesh, by all means view the people as they are. But for your sake and theirs, remember that you are dealing with people who know what development is” (1993: 86). Maloney (1988, 1991) supports these contradictory views asserting that "the capacity of Bangladesh to support a huge population for many centuries appears uniquely bright and there is probably no other society in the world in which such a heavy population can subsist on the land without destroying the resource base” (1988).

Thus, in order for providing education for combatting climate change by way of achieving SDGs, some amount of assistance is required from the UN or other SDGs funding agencies to build essential infrastructure at the 17 SDGs Demo Model Project sites in Bangladesh. Otherwise, unless nature bites back with frequent climate calamities in the developed countries, it is unlikely that they will retreat.

            (To be continued)

References

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Afaz, A. and Sattar, A. 1986. Khonar Bachan. The Taz Publishing House, Dhaka.

Daly, H. 1996. Beyond Growth: The Economics of Sustainable Development. Beacon Press, Boston.

Dauvergne, P. 2009. The A to Z of Environmentalism. The Scarecrow Press, Toronto.

Fluehr-Lobban, C. 2004. Islamic Societies and Practices. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL.

Garnaut, R. 2008. The Garnaut Climate Change Review. Final Report to the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia, http://www.garnautreview.org.au/index.htm [20.03.2011].

Garnaut, R. 2011. Global Emissions Trends. Update Paper 3, Garnaut Climate Change Review to the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia, http://

www.garnautreview.org.au/update-2011/update-papers/up3-key-points.html [20.03.2011].

Hardy, J.T. 2003. Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Solutions. John Wiley and Sons,Chichester, England.

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) 2007. Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2013, Climate Change 2013: Synthesis Report, viewed 23 August 2015, .

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report, IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland, 2015.

Lemons, J., Westra, L. and Goodland, R. 1998. Ecological Sustainability and Integrity: Concepts and Approaches. Kluwer Academic Publishers, London.

Maloney, C. 1991. Behaviour and Poverty in Bangladesh. The University Press, Dhaka.

Maloney, C. 1988. Life Stages, Gender and Fertility in Bangladesh. International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka.

Munasinhe, M. and Swart, R. 2005. Primer on Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Facts, Policy Analysis and Applications. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Novak, J. 1993. Bangladesh: Reflections on the Water, Indiana University Press, Bloomington.

End Notes

2 http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/lif_hap_net-lifestyle-happiness-net (accessed 1 March 2011)

3 http://www.google.com/publicdata?ds=wbwdi&

met=ny_gdp_pcap_cd&idim=country:BGD&dl=en&hl=en&q=bangladesh+gdp+per+capita (accessed 1

March 2011)