Desk Report: Shahin Alom, A climate activist & journalist said, Embarking on my journey to become a climate activist was far from easy. The aftermath of severe cyclonic storm Aila not only disrupted my life but wreaked havoc on the lives of hundreds in my village. Amidst the adversity, I witnessed my male friends compelled into child labor for survival, while female friends found themselves becoming child brides. The struggles I faced, coupled with the hardships around me, ignited a profound awakening. Delving deeper, the root cause revealed itself as none other than climate change, portraying us as innocent victims caught in the crossfire. In Satkhira, our continuous efforts aim to bolster adaptation within our limited means and capacities. However, a looming question persists—how much can be mitigated through adaptation alone? Challenges endure despite our adoption of new techniques, encompassing issues like dam repair, food distribution, and cultivating salinity-resilient crops. While we diligently serve as the first responders during disasters, our presence is notably absent in the policymaking processes at the district or upazilas levels.
Shahin Alom said it in a roundtable titled ‘Bangladesh in COP28 and Generation Hope Campaign: Youth and Children Voices Shaping Climate Discussion’ organized by Save the Children in collaboration with The Daily Star on November 26, 2023.
