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Afforestation must to combat changing climate 

Published : Thursday, 7 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 320
Motaher Hossain
The Sahara desert is turning green every day. It may seem strange, given that the Sahara is the driest region in the world, but recent satellite images from NASA have shown an increase in vegetation in this vast desert. The Sahara, once known for its lifeless, endless sand dunes, now has patches of lush greenery. The change is both surprising and captivating, as it challenges the usual perception of the Sahara as a barren, desolate region.

This transformation in the Sahara is due to a series of natural events, particularly extreme weather patterns. In September 2024, NASA captured images showing almost dry lakes suddenly filled with stagnant water. The Sahara's lakes, which are typically dry, have now seen a surge in water levels, which has created favorable conditions for the growth of vegetation. This unexpected change can be attributed to an unusual tropical cyclone that hit the region in early September, bringing heavy rains to the northwestern part of the desert. For the first time in years, the region received enough rainfall to support plant growth, prompting an explosion of green in the desert.

The increased rainfall in the Sahara is part of a broader climatic shift. Climate researchers have noted that, as the earth warms, the boundary of the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is moving northward. The ITCZ is a band of rising air that brings the monsoon rains to northern Africa. This shifting pattern has caused the Sahara to become wetter, with rainfall increasing by two to six times more than usual. Areas that are usually dry, such as Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, have seen rainfall levels that would typically occur over the course of a year, all within a span of two days. The sudden increase in rainfall has even caused flooding in some areas, further reshaping the desert's landscape.

Scientists explain that the combination of heavy rainfall and warmer temperatures has led to these dramatic changes. As the Sahara becomes greener, it reflects the broader effects of global warming, which is altering the climate not only in deserts but around the world. The increased rainfall has loosened the desert's sand layer and released the soil, allowing green plants to thrive. This phenomenon is reminiscent of past climate shifts: thousands of years ago, the Sahara was once a lush and fertile region, and it was only the gradual shift of the monsoon to the south that caused it to dry out and become the desert we know today.

This greening of the Sahara highlights the complex interactions between climate, weather patterns, and ecosystems. While the Sahara is becoming greener due to unusual weather patterns, other regions, like Bangladesh, are facing the opposite problem-deforestation and environmental degradation. In Bangladesh, despite being a land of lush greenery, forests are being rapidly destroyed in the name of development and infrastructure. The country's forest cover is well below the recommended level of 25% of the total land area. According to recent statistics, Bangladesh's forest cover stands at just 15.58%, far short of the target. The depletion of forests is not only harmful to biodiversity but also contributes to climate change, soil erosion, and the loss of natural resources.
Bangladesh has made efforts to combat deforestation through initiatives like social forestry, which encourages the planting of trees on roads, railways, and marginal lands. The country has also increased its efforts to protect wildlife by declaring certain forest areas as protected under the Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act of 2012. However, illegal encroachment on forest lands continues to be a major issue, with thousands of acres of forest being illegally occupied by individuals and organizations for industrial use or agricultural development.

The contrast between the Sahara and Bangladesh underscores the importance of forest conservation in the fight against climate change. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining biodiversity. They are also essential for managing water resources, as trees absorb and redistribute water, helping to maintain the water cycle in ecosystems. In Bangladesh, the destruction of forests exacerbates the country's vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change, including floods, storms, and sea-level rise.

To address this, Bangladesh needs to urgently increase its forest cover to 25% of the total land area. This would require a concerted effort to plant and protect trees, combat illegal logging, and stop the encroachment of forest lands. In the southwestern region, the Sundarbans-the world's largest mangrove forest-acts as a natural barrier against natural disasters like cyclones and storm surges. Similarly, the coastal forests of Cox's Bazar provide protection against soil erosion and serve as critical habitats for wildlife. However, both of these vital ecosystems are under threat due to human activities, such as shrimp farming and land reclamation.

One of the key challenges in Bangladesh is balancing development with environmental preservation. While economic growth is important, it should not come at the expense of natural resources. The destruction of forests not only harms biodiversity but also compromises the country's ability to cope with the effects of climate change. In recent years, the government has taken steps to protect forests by halting the cutting of trees in protected areas until 2030. However, much more needs to be done to ensure that the forest cover is restored and expanded.

The greening of the Sahara, although a result of complex climatic changes, provides a powerful reminder of the potential of nature to recover when given the right conditions. In Bangladesh, we too have the opportunity to restore our forests and protect our natural environment. This can be achieved through large-scale afforestation programs, strict enforcement of laws against deforestation, and the promotion of sustainable development practices. Only by protecting our forests we can hope to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.

The changes occurring in the Sahara desert serve as both a warning and an opportunity. While global warming has contributed to the greening of the Sahara, it has also caused significant environmental disruptions around the world. Bangladesh, with its rich natural resources, has a responsibility to protect its forests and biodiversity. By increasing forest cover, combating deforestation, and prioritizing sustainable development, Bangladesh can contribute to global efforts to address climate change and build a more resilient future.

The writer is a journalist and General Secretary, Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum


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