Introduction: Are all human beings equal in the face of disasters?
Are all human beings equal in the face of disasters? At first glance, it seems everyone is equal when confronted by disasters. Disasters are often considered harsh on everyone because they cannot distinguish between the rich and the poor. But is that true? In reality, Disaster is not equal for everyone, and Not everyone is affected equally. Disaster is harsher for vulnerable people. Climate change, in particular, may appear to be a global issue impacting everyone, but the damage it causes is disproportionately concentrated on low-income and marginalized communities. This is because these groups often lack the social and economic resources needed to adapt effectively to climate change. This context also applies at the national level. In practice, developing countries are more vulnerable to climate change than developed countries. This disparity between developed and developing countries occurs due to their uneven ability to adapt to climate change, and developing countries have generally fewer resources to build resilience.
Climate Adaptation
Climate adaptation refers to “all actions taken by ecosystems or socio-economic systems to adjust to changing climate conditions.” Discussions about the impacts of climate change and the need for adaptation began in earnest following the IPCC 3rd Report published in 2001. According to the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), climate adaptation focuses on reducing vulnerabilities to climate-related risks, including extreme climate events such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts, while enhancing resilience. Climate adaptation strategies range from infrastructure improvements such as flood defense systems to behavioral changes like water conservation. Climate adaptation plays a crucial role in preparing for long-term risks along with climate mitigation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day
Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day is a global initiative led by the GCA to encourage young people to engage in climate adaptation efforts. Celebrated in over 100 countries, this event provides a platform for participants to share innovative adaptation solutions for climate change, encourage youth participation, and discuss strategies for strengthening climate resilience. Schools, universities, youth organizations, and local communities actively participate, emphasizing the importance of youth-led adaptation efforts.
Youth Climate Adaptation Lighthouse Event in Bangladesh
In celebration of Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day, various events took place around the world. Notably, the Youth Climate Adaptation Lighthouse Event was held in Bangladesh, led by Probha Aurora, the National Operator of FEE.
As part of the event, on October 4, a special webinar was held to commemorate World Animal Day under the theme ‘Raising the Status of Animals to Improve Welfare Standards Around the Globe.’ The webinar explored animal adaptation in the context of disaster-prone environments and climate change. The event began with opening remarks from Probha Aurora’s founder and managing director, Bidhan Chandra Pal, followed by a keynote speech from Prof. Nitish Chandra Debnath, the Founder Vice-Chancellor of Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Participants, including students and special guests around the world, shared their experiences, emphasizing the importance of considering animal welfare in climate change. Animal rights are a key agenda that cannot be overlooked in addressing climate change. Extreme climate events and habitat loss directly threaten biodiversity, making it imperative to integrate animal rights into climate adaptation strategies.
On October 8, Probha Aurora also visited SOS Hermann Gmeiner College Dhaka, one of the schools participating in FEE programs. During this visit, they met with the principal, vice-principal, and students to discuss Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day and the importance of climate adaptation efforts in Bangladesh, concluding with a photo session to commemorate the event.
Why Celebrating Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day in Bangladesh Matters
Celebrating Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day in Bangladesh holds profound significance due to the country’s extreme vulnerability to climate change. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021 by Germanwatch, Bangladesh ranks as the seventh most vulnerable country in the world. From 2000 to 2019, Bangladesh experienced an average of 185 extreme climate events annually, resulting in approximately 570 deaths each year. The economic losses from these events amount to around $168 million per year. Bangladesh faces severe challenges from cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels, which lead to significant human and economic losses.
Conclusion: Adapting Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Climate change response strategies are broadly divided into Mitigation and Adaptation. Adaptation refers to implementing measures to anticipate the impacts of climate change and prevent or minimize potential damage. In contrast, mitigation focuses on reducing or absorbing greenhouse gases, the primary cause of climate change. Both strategies are essential, but mitigation has limitations. Even if greenhouse gas emissions are effectively reduced, the Earth’s surface temperature has already risen due to past emissions and will continue to rise in the future. Climate change is still underway at this moment. Climate adaptation is not only a discussion of how we will specifically respond to the ongoing climate change, but also a concrete and practical actions to deal with climate change at a level directly connected to our lives. This is why climate adaptation is important.
Youth and young adults will be the most directly affected generation by the impacts of climate change. In this context, their active participation can help reduce the damage caused by climate change and enhance resilience. This is the reason why involving youth in adaptation efforts carries significant importance. There is a saying in Korea: “A light drizzle will wet your clothes without you noticing (가랑비에 옷 젖는 줄 모른다).” It means that even the smallest actions, when repeated consistently, can have a significant impact. While the proverb is often used to describe negative situations, I believe it also applies to positive efforts, reminding us that small, steady actions can lead to meaningful change. So please remember, Small actions taken today toward climate adaptation can become significant steps toward a better and more sustainable tomorrow.
References
Climate Adaptation
- Global Center on Adaptation. (2024). Global Center on Adaptation. https://gca.org/
Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day
- Global Center on Adaptation. (2024). Global Center on Adaptation. https://gca.org/
- 국립환경과학원 [National Institute of Environmental Research]. (n.d.). 국가기후변화적응센터 소개 [Introduction to the National Climate Change Adaptation Center]. 국립환경과학원 [National Institute of Environmental Research]. https://nier.go.kr/naccc/front/contents/cntntsView.do?cntntsSn=30
Why Celebrating Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day in Bangladesh Matters
- Eckstein, D., Künzel, V., & Schäfer, L. (2021). Who Suffers Most from Extreme Weather Events? Weather-related Loss Events in 2019 and 2000 to 2019 (Global Climate Risk Index 2021). Germanwatch. https://www.germanwatch.org/en/19777
Conclusion: Adapting Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow
- Naver. (n.d.). 탄소중립 – 기후변화 대응의 두 가지 축: 완화와 적응 [Carbon neutrality – The two pillars of climate change response: Mitigation and Adaptation]. Naver 지식백과. https://terms.naver.com/entry.naver?docId=5701850&cid=64656&categoryId=64656
- European Environment Agency. (n.d.). What is the difference between adaptation and mitigation? EEA. https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/about/contact-us/faqs/what-is-the-difference-between-adaptation-and-mitigation
- SK ecoplant. (2023, March 30). 녹색 기술로 건설하는 지속 가능한 미래 [Building a sustainable future with green technology]. SK ecoplant 뉴스룸. https://news.skecoplant.com/plant-tomorrow/7269/
– Soobin Lee
