The event organized In collaboration with German Embassy, the British High Commission, and GIZ
In collaboration with the German Embassy, the British High Commission and GIZ , the British Council has launched a photo exhibition, titled ‘Climate Change – Time for Action’ on 20 November 2019, at the British Council Cultural Centre to commemorate the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference COP 25 in Madrid. The exhibition will remain open till 5 December 2019.
Md. Shahab Uddin, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change has inaugurated the exhibition and handed over the first prize to the winner of the photo competition. The winning photo showcased a water-logged school in Satkhira where students have to travel by boats to attend schools.
Kanbar Hossein-Bor, UK Deputy High Commissioner, Bangladesh and Peter Fahrenholtz, German Ambassador, were also present in the event as the special guests and handed over the prizes among the other winners. Officials from Bangladesh government, different diplomatic missions, UN missions and bilateral agencies, civil society, academia, news media and interested individuals from the diverse background were also present in the event.
Responding to a social media call for submission of photographs on the effects of climate change in the life of people and the environment of Bangladesh, several participants submitted their photographs. From the preliminary submissions, 50 photos were chosen for the exhibition among which three photos were selected as winners. A movie, capturing stories of people relocating to Dhaka from rural areas due to adverse impacts of climatic change, was also screened on the inauguration event.
On this occasion, Md. Shahab Uddin, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change said, “The vulnerability of Bangladesh in climate change is no longer a theoretical assumption. It is a reality now. From Sidr in 2007 to the most recent Bulbul, we have witnessed so many cyclones in Bangladesh. Although Bangladesh has demonstrated its capabilities to tackle the effects of climate extremities like cyclones and floods, it is a matter of concern that the frequency and extensiveness are increasing.”
Kanbar Hossein-Bor, UK Deputy High Commissioner, Bangladesh added, “Bangladesh is a world leader in building resilience to climate change, particularly in reducing disaster risk. However, Bangladesh remains highly vulnerable. The UK is committed to deepening our partnership with Bangladesh and other countries in the global challenge of tackling climate change.”
The effects of climate change are becoming more and more visible. Recent reports state that the effects are occurring much faster than earlier predictions. This is alarming news not only for climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh but for all the nations around the world. While visiting the exhibition, all the guests expressed a common expectation that Bangladesh delegation to the COP 25 will uphold concrete demands and commitment in the conference.
