Fight for a Fossil-Free Future: Global Day of Climate Action 2024Celebrated

Under the theme “Fight for a Fossil-Free Future,” a vibrant rally and human chain wereorganized by LEDARS at the Neel Dumur tourist spot along the banks of the KholpetuaRiver in Satkhira, to mark the Global Day of Climate Action 2024.This event was part of the community-based climate resilience and women’sempowerment program, supported by financial assistance from Manusher JonnoFoundation and the Embassy of Sweden. Adolescents and youth groups from Gaburaand Burigoalini unions participated in the program. The rally started in front of 71 Neel Dumur Forest Government Primary School andconcluded at the Neel Dumur Forest Ghat. Participants held placards with sloganshighlighting the harmful impacts of climate change and the use of fossil fuels, forming ahuman chain to raise awareness. During the event, the adolescents and youth voiced their demands on behalf ofBangladesh in celebration of the Global Day of Climate Action. Notable demandsincluded reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the adoption of renewableenergy, strengthening women’s participation in energy policies, and ensuring fair accessto climate funds for affected countries. Representing the participants, Sadia Ashfia Shefa (Gabura) and Md. Israfil Hossain(Burigoalini) shared written statements about the negative global and coastal impacts ofclimate change, necessary actions, and the roles of the youth. They read out theirstatements during the human chain. After the human chain, participants reiterated their demands while standing on a boat inthe middle of the Kholpetua River at Neel Dumur Ferry Ghat. The organizers expressed hope that through such initiatives, the awareness anddetermination of the country’s youth to fight for a fossil-free future will continue to grow.Their active participation in promoting renewable energy and adopting environmentallyfriendly policies will have a positive impact on the country as it tackles the climate crisis.