It is good to see more than 7,100 cities join up to form the world’s largest alliance to combat climate change. The initiative brings together 119 countries in six continents, thus creating a vast network of co-operation and exchange of information. Climate change needs to be fought at all levels, and individual cities must do their part. Cities account for about 75% of carbon emissions and 70% of the world’s energy consumption. Mayors can, therefore, play a very important role in delivering on the commitments made by 195 countries in Paris last year. Sharing data on a global level and comparing notes about successes and failures, will help the move towards a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, publicly available data will help climate researchers as well as eco-friendly businesses that wish to properly assess the environmental impact of new technologies. Climate change, right now, is the biggest long-term threat that Bangladesh faces. Bangladesh, being a low-lying country, is particularly vulnerable to adverse effects of rising water levels and extreme weather events, as millions of people live in perpetual risk of being displaced from their homes. Because we stand to lose so much, Bangladesh should support initiatives like the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, and also support production of renewable energy to replace the environmentally damaging use of fossil fuels. The fight against climate change is a fight to save our home planet. Inaction is not an option.
2016 Dhaka Tribune, All Rights Reserved.