Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized the necessity of implementing effective domestic measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Bangladesh, despite the country’s minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing a workshop titled ‘Pathways to Emission Reduction in Rice and Livestock Sectors in Bangladesh’ held at a city hotel, she underscored that Bangladesh is among the nations most severely impacted by climate change.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Adviser Akhter pointed out the significant role that the rice and livestock sectors play in greenhouse gas emissions and national food security. She identified two primary sources of emission from the livestock sector: methane produced during the digestive process of ruminant animals, and methane and nitrous oxide generated from animal waste management. She noted that cattle are the largest emitters among livestock, followed by buffaloes, goats, and sheep, and highlighted that globally, the livestock sector accounts for about 14.5 percent of total human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
The Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) is actively engaged in research to curtail such emissions through enhanced feed and management practices, Akhter stated. Other speakers at the event emphasized the importance of research, technological innovation, and effective policy-making in Bangladesh’s agricultural sector to reduce emissions, safeguard the environment, and address climate change challenges.
World Bank Divisional Director Jean Pesme attended the event as the guest of honor, further highlighting the international interest and support for Bangladesh’s efforts in combating climate change.