When it comes to climate change, we cannot afford to waste any more time at this point. Unfortunately, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and its various ramifications, climate change has hardly been treated as a priority in recent months. That is why it is good to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina bringing attention back to where it is needed at the P4G Seoul Summit, being held in Seoul, South Korea.
The PM said more financiers, innovators, and policy-makers, as well as creative entrepreneurs needed to be brought into the focus areas: Food, water, energy, cities, and the circular economy. She also emphasized on a worldwide approach, and the need to work towards a greener future for the next generation.
Bangladesh has a lot on its plate right now, but it might be remembered that at this juncture, if we are to move forward, we must do so sustainably and responsibly. Gone are the days when a country could focus on greater industrialization while polluting its air and water, and endangering its wildlife.
As a species, we are wiser now to the consequences of harming the environment, and most developed nations now work toward economic growth in parallel with reducing emissions and taking care of the natural world around us.
Going green should be our mantra right now: Our RMG sector, the engine of Bangladesh’s growth, is already onboard, and soon more and more industries will be switching to sustainable practices. The pandemic has served as a reminder of the power of nature to disrupt all human plans: Let us treat nature with respect, and turn our growth goals into green growth goals.
