Earlier both summer and winter used to be very comforting seasons as we experienced moderate temperature fluctuation during these two seasons. But now we experience extreme weather, with other soothing seasons like autumn and late autumn gradually vanishing into thin air. Bangladesh has been facing extreme weather for the last few years, along with more devastating and longer heat and cold waves in the offing.  

Climate change is no joking matter. But what we do not know is that we are running out of time to reverse the harmful impacts.
Meteorologists have already forecasted a scorching summer this time. A mild heat wave is already sweeping over some districts. In addition to this, rising sea levels, frequent flash floods, and intensifying cyclones are just a few of the impacts the country is dealing with on a regular basis. With all its concomitant worries, climate change is hitting us hard. Right now, the coastal areas are paying a heavy price. Inundation by rising sea water level and salinity intrusion have seriously impacted crop production in the coastal region putting people’s lives in jeopardy. The fallout impacts are now spreading across the whole country in the form of abnormal shift in the temperature and weather patterns.

Despite such catastrophic effects, we are sailing into oblivion and acting as if nothing has happened. That is why, vested quarters are still cutting trees mindlessly. Consequently, the amount of protected forest area is decreasing day by day posing a serious threat to ecological balance. As experts point out, gradual shrinking of natural water reservoirs is one of the reasons why we are failing to deal with climate change. It is ironical that when we are supposed to make space for natural reservoirs, we are actually killing our rivers. Moreover, destroying natural resources, habitats and cutting trees in the name of development works speak of our sheer apathy to protect the planet.
Bangladesh is one of the most climate change-vulnerable countries in the world and the country will suffer more than the developed countries. Under such circumstances, if we are to survive and leave a liveable world for the posterity, the country must think in a sustainable way. The time is now for doing something concrete with a view to tackling climate change. Otherwise, it will be too late for us.