Collective efforts needed to curb impacts of climate change: Info Minister

To protect the country from the negative effects of climate change, a collective effort is needed from all, said Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday.

“Nature conservation and creation of forests are needed for us and for the future generations,” he told a discussion meeting organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on the occasion of World Environment Day at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre in the capital.

The discussion was chaired by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry Saber Hossain Chowdhury attended the programme as a special guest, reports UNB.

“The impact of climate change is our constant companion. All of its adverse effects are visible in our country. In that context, environmental protection is a major challenge in our country,” said Hasan.

“Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world but third in the world in rice and freshwater fish production, fourth in vegetable production, seventh in potato production and self-sufficient in food grains,” he added.

Hasan called for resolving plastic pollution according to the theme of this year's World Environment Day titled “Beat Plastic Pollution, Ecosystem Restoration”.

“Between 150 and 200 species of animals are going extinct every day, of which about 137 species are becoming extinct due to deforestation,” the minister also said.

“Let's build the country together, protect the environment and strengthen the prime minister's hand.”