Md. Rased Hasan Sojib
Although human beings are the best creatures of creation, the environment around them is being constantly changed due to human behavior and negligence. At the same time the balance of the environment is being destroyed. Environmental degradation and pollution is a big problem. Natural disasters such as floods, droughts and cyclones, tidal surges, climate change and other environmental problems are now commonplace. Human actions are mainly responsible for all of these. Arbitrary deforestation, overpopulation, poverty, vehicle black smoke, loud noises, industrial factories and brick kilns in residential areas, etc. are polluting the environment. Climate change is taking place due to the loss of ecological balance.
The conflagration of the world’s largest evergreen forest, known as world’s lungs has been able to attract the attention of the world. Concerns have been raised that the forest fires could accelerate climate change as well as have a negative impact on people of different nationalities in the region. But another forest just a few kilometers from the Amazon is being deforesting faster. The forest is in the Serado area of Brazil. It is said that the tropical Serado region covered with trees and grass covers 5% (percent) of the world’s trees. There is a huge potential for carbon absorption. This is considered to be the most biodiversity area in the world, with an area of about 20 million hectares. Regarding the importance of the region in terms of biodiversity.
Mercedes Bastamanat a biologist at the University of Brasilia said that the region has about 837 species of birds, 120 species of reptiles, 150 species of amphibians, 1.2 million species of fish, 90,000 species of insects and 199 species of mammals. According to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), there are 4,800 endemic species of otters, tapirs and jaguars in the Serado region. In addition, more than 11,000 species of trees have been found there, which is about half the number of tree species found in the rest of the world. To meet the demand for that meat, cattle farms and the Serado forests for soybean cultivation are being destroyed.
The genetic, species, and ecosystem biodiversity of microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals are closely intertwined. The change of one is the change of another, the destruction of one leads to the crisis of the existence of the other. According to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, the number of biodiversity in the world is 1 (One) crore 30 (Thirty) lakhs. Of these, 17.5 lakh animals and plants have been identified. The sudden rise and fall of food supply, nutrition, weather, and climate is causing catastrophic damage to plants and animals. Biodiversity is threatened as a result of changes in the environment and nature due to natural causes such as fires, cold spells, glaciers, cyclones, landslides, tidal surges, droughts, droughts, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, dense fog, thunderstorms, etc. Besides, there are man-made reasons.
In modern times the population is increasing and the use of natural resources is also increasing. Soil, water and air are being polluted as a result of industrialization and urbanization. Environmental imbalances are being observed. Unable to adapt to the changed climate, plants and animals are becoming extinct in the end, which means that the diversity of biodiversity is becoming visible.
Every year food crops and cereals are also being destroyed. About 10 percent (%) of the flowering plant species are becoming extinct due to deforestation. On an average, 50 (Fifty) species are disappearing from the earth every day. Acid rain is occurring due to excessive emissions of CFC gas as a result of setting up more factories. Which is causing direct damage to biodiversity. Due to ethnic riots or wars, groups of people are taking refuge in the jungle and destroying diversity. Civilization is crushed by war, nuclear tests, setting up of factories, construction of faulty buildings, mismanagement of various irregularities.
The Global Food Biodiversity Report 2019, released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) shows that 57% (percent)of the world’s biodiversity threats are man-made. Excessive extraction of natural resources is destroying the growing areas of biodiversity and polluting the environment. In the evolution of time many animals became extinct, some almost extinct. Such as- fox, gecko, flying fox, deer, sparrow, conch, tortoise, crocodile, tiger, Mongooses, wild buffalo, kite, vulture, squirrel, hedgehog. According to scientists, climate change is affecting almost half of the world’s endangered mammals.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, there are about 22 million species in the world. About 70 lakh species could become extinct in the next 30 years. Three-quarters of bird’s different species are on the verge of extinction. 30 % (percent) of the fish are on the verge of extinction. The world’s largest animal dinosaur has died due to environmental disaster.
The population of the United States is about 5% (percent) of the world’s population, but the United States uses 25% (percent) of the world’s fossil fuels and emits 22% (percent) of the world’s CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). Developing countries, meanwhile, account for about 78% (percent) of the world’s population and use only 18% (percent) of the world’s energy. These data suggest that the overdevelopment of developed countries is responsible for most of the complex environmental problems that developing countries face. As global warming increases, sea levels will rise. This will increase floods and cyclones.
Its environmental impact is being felt in other places as well. Bangladesh is also at environmental risk. The country’s security and economy are now under threat as a result of climate change. The use of polythene has not been stopped in the country yet. The use of polythene is causing serious damage to the environment. Taking advantage of the lack of control, some unscrupulous people are producing banned polythene. Using polythene is being dumped wherever it is. They are carrying water and falling into the drain. Vehicles without fitness play a major role in air pollution. These low quality vehicles make our environment dusty which is also extremely harmful to human health. Moreover, as it is difficult to control unfit vehicles, deaths of people in fatal accidents are being reported almost every day.
A recent study with the help of Norwegian-based research institute (NILU) has revealed a grim picture of air quality in Dhaka city. According to the study, Dhaka’s air has the highest SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) presence in the world and most of it comes from low quality vehicles. There are various public and private initiatives to protect the environment. However, Bangladesh is currently the second lowest country out of 180 countries in the environmental index. Bangladesh is ranked 179th in the recently published index of Columbia University. The country ranks 178th out of 178 countries in the Environmental Health Index. That is the most sinking country. Our country ranks 179th out of 180 countries in the air quality index. In order to protect Bangladesh from the effects of endangered environment, it is necessary to increase environmental awareness as well as proper implementation of relevant laws. Long-term multifaceted plans need to be adopted.
Distinguished scientists in the world have warned that if the current trend of carbon emissions continues, it will not be possible to save the earth in 12 years. Disasters such as wildfires, droughts, floods, and catastrophic heatwave can occur. The UN’s International Panel on Climate Change has issued a warning in a special report. According to the report, if no action is taken now, the rate of global warming will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius between 2030 and 2052. Scientists have highlighted the need for rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented change in all spheres of society to avoid this catastrophic level of global warming.
If we do not protect the environment in a well-planned way, one day the world will be in crisis of existence. The world conscience must be awakened now, from this moment on. There is no time to waste. Global efforts will continue. Our small unconscious and reckless actions are the cause of environmental catastrophe. Changing attitudes is most needed to protect the environment. Everyone needs to take environmental protection and potential seriously in their own interest.
Author is a student of Environmental Science and Engineering at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal, Mymensingh – 2224, Bangladesh
Email: rasedhasansojib662@gmail.com
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