Mamun Kabir
The world is now grappling with an escalating crisis, where food security and climate change have emerged as critical issues. The need for a sustainable food system has become more pressing as the adverse effects of climate change disrupt food production. Developing countries like Bangladesh are disproportionately affected by climate change, largely driven by industrial activities in developed nations. The struggle for food and climate justice centers on the right to access food, posing significant challenges to local farmers, fishers, and laborers.
Currently, the United Nations Committee on Food Security (CFS) is convening a plenary session in Rome to mark its 20th anniversary. The session is focusing on the “Right to Food Guidelines,” which are pivotal for enhancing food and nutrition security worldwide. Simultaneously, food and agriculture are prominent topics at the World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Washington. These discussions underscore the urgent need for collective action to address the global food crisis.
The urgency of creating sustainable food systems to withstand both global food crises and the effects of climate change is no longer up for debate. Since the observance of World Food Day on October 16, the importance of discussing food and climate change has gained more traction across the globe. At this crucial moment, raising awareness about food justice in countries like Bangladesh, which are on the frontlines of climate change, is more important than ever.
Food security and climate change are intricately linked. Climate change-induced challenges such as droughts, floods, rising salinity, and erratic weather patterns have caused severe agricultural damage in many countries, including Bangladesh. In the country’s southern coastal regions, increased salinity levels are severely affecting rice production, while in the northern areas, crop yields are suffering due to prolonged droughts. In this context, achieving climate justice is impossible without establishing a sustainable food system.
Therefore, connecting the concepts of food and climate justice is essential. To protect our food systems from the impacts of climate change, collective action is crucial.
One of the key messages of this movement is, “Ensure climate justice to safeguard food security.”
The climate crisis poses enormous challenges to developing nations. The industrialization and carbon emissions of developed countries have largely caused today’s climate emergency, yet it is developing countries that bear the brunt of the consequences. It is critical to hold developed countries accountable by pressing them for compensation and climate financing. During the Asia Day program, the slogan “Land, food, and water for people, not for profit!” will encapsulate the core demands against developed nations. This is not just a slogan—it is a call for a more just and equitable society.
Bangladesh’s agriculture, fisheries, and overall food security are increasingly at risk due to climate change. In response, the government must take decisive action to strengthen the country’s food system. By providing support to local farmers, offering technical assistance, and allocating the necessary resources, a sustainable food system can be built. Reducing import dependency and boosting local production are critical. Long-term strategies are especially needed for small-scale farmers and fishers, enabling them to adapt to climate change and continue producing food.
The government should also advocate strongly at the international level for climate finance and compensation. Effective policies must be developed to rehabilitate those impacted by climate change and to make local agricultural systems more sustainable and resilient.
Civil society and frontline communities in Bangladesh must play a crucial role in advocating for food and climate justice. These groups, including small farmers, fishers, women, and indigenous populations, are among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts like rising sea levels, increased salinity, and unpredictable weather. Civil society organizations (CSOs) amplify their voices, pushing for policies that meet their needs and safeguard local food systems. They advocate for sustainable agricultural practices, climate adaptation strategies, and financial support for those most affected by these challenges.
Initiatives like the Asia Day of Action on Food and Climate enable civil society organizations (CSOs) to unite local communities, holding developed nations accountable and advocating for solutions that put people before profit. These efforts strengthen global solidarity, drive policy change, and provide communities with the tools to build climate resilience. By defending the rights of those most affected, civil society plays a crucial role in advancing equitable food systems and climate justice in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh’s Food and Climate Day is more than just an event—it’s a powerful call to action. This initiative represents a key step in safeguarding our food systems from the impacts of climate change. Through the Asia Day program, the voices and demands of Bangladesh’s civil society and frontline communities will reach a global audience, marking a new chapter in the fight for climate justice and food security.
As a country of the global south Bangladesh is a victim of climate change. As a climate-vulnerable country, our demand to ensure our food security is very clear: “Funding must prioritize sustainable food systems to feed the people, not serve global markets.” Achieving food security and climate justice is vital for building a sustainable and equitable future.
Author: Mamun Kabir, Manager of Communications and Advocacy, Waterkeepers Bangladesh