The adverse effects of climate change are now being felt across the globe. Excessive carbon emissions, rampant deforestation, and widespread degradation of natural ecosystems are disrupting the Earth's delicate balance. Mountains, rivers, seas, and even the Polar Regions are undergoing drastic changes. Human lives and livelihoods, alongside entire ecosystems, are increasingly under threat. The once-majestic Himalayas are now veiled in dense haze, while alarming new phenomena are emerging in the oceans, such as circular wounds on the seabed that suggest rising underwater methane emissions.
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, global powers remain reluctant to reduce carbon emissions. Instead, they continue to exploit the situation by engaging in commercial ventures under the banner of "green technology." This profit-driven approach is pushing the planet ever closer to irreversible damage.
In regions like the Himalayas, the environmental toll is stark. Once-pristine skies have been replaced by thick smog. The snow-covered peaks, which were a daily visual delight from Kathmandu, have become nearly invisible. During a recent flight to Kathmandu, the aircraft had to circle for an extended period due to poor visibility caused by haze-an unprecedented occurrence for that season. Nearby Nagarkot, a popular viewpoint, now offers only a shadowy outline of the mountains due to high air pollution levels caused by vehicle emissions, industrial discharge, burning of waste, and prolonged dry seasons.
Oceans, too, are behaving abnormally. Frothy bubbles on the surface, initially dismissed as harmless, have been traced back to methane leaks from deep beneath the seabed. These emissions emerge from muddy craters-referred to as "pockmarks"-on the continental slope at depths of 1,600 to 5,200 feet. Over 5,200 of these craters have been identified, some averaging 656 feet in diameter. Research by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, the US Geological Survey, and Stanford University found no residual methane, suggesting that the leakage might have ceased. However, the discovery raises serious concerns about the stability of the ocean floor, especially if infrastructure like offshore wind farms is installed above such unstable sites. The risk of methane leakage-induced failures must not be ignored.
While nature calls for urgent action, corporations and governments have largely failed to respond meaningfully. Many companies promoting green technology are more focused on market creation and profit than genuine environmental responsibility. Consumers are often expected to buy solar or wind power without necessary systemic support. Despite the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, most of its key pledges-such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2050-remain unmet. According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the lack of sincerity and cooperation among world leaders makes these targets increasingly unrealistic.
Over the past two years, investments in green energy have declined by 20-25%. The market value of climate tech companies has dropped, while fossil fuel industries continue to attract the bulk of global financing. In 2023 alone, the world's 60 largest banks invested or pledged $705 billion in fossil fuels. Oil giants like Shell and Exxon have ramped up production, reaping record profits amid geopolitical conflicts.
Simultaneously, investor interest has shifted to faster-return sectors like AI and fintech, while green technologies, which require longer investment horizons, are being neglected. Even in advanced economies such as the US and China, skepticism about long-term sustainability persists. Nevertheless, some progress is evident-companies like Tesla and BYD show that with the right strategy, green business can be profitable.
In Europe, considered a global leader in green energy, economic strains from the Russia-Ukraine war have delayed auctions for new wind projects. This has created uncertainty in the green investment landscape, affecting startups and deterring large-scale investment. While some progress has been made in solar and electric vehicles, innovation in other climate tech sectors remains stuck in laboratories due to lack of capital.
Despite the gloomy scenario, the conversation around climate action must continue. Without active government involvement, green energy initiatives cannot succeed. Military spending continues to rise, while sustainable development lags behind. Joint efforts, such as EU climate initiatives or India's intergovernmental coordination, demonstrate the need for unified policy and investment strategies.
Ultimately, protecting forests, rivers, wetlands, and oceans is essential-not just to mitigate climate change but to ensure the survival of humanity. Reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is no longer a choice; it is an urgent necessity. Only a combined local and global response can secure a livable future for generations to come.
The writer is a Journalist, General Secretary - Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum
