Climate Justice Diaries: Building Resilience

Wednesday March 16 2022

The effects of Climate Change are particularly felt in Bangladesh and the Church of Bangladesh (CoB) have been advocating and acting to mitigate these within their communities for many years. The consciousness of the Church of Scotland was pricked by the words of their delegate to the General Assembly in 2004. The Climate Justice Diary this week highlights a small part of their work at present. The article below is taken from the Church of Bangladesh’s latest newsletter with permission of the editor.

Shalom is the department of the CoB that responds to humanitarian needs and has been initiating development activities in support of dignified living for the poor in various districts of the country for many years.

At present our work includes Poverty Reduction and Community Resilience Projects which have a focus on the need for climate change mitigation programmes.  We have held advocacy workshops for both high level leaders and also organise advocacy meetings to targeted individuals who are experiencing poverty and lack of opportunity. We are leading projects which look at appropriate and sustainable agriculture training including the following topics: growing leafy vegetables, homestead gardening and vermin compost, chicken, duck, goat and cow rearing and cultivation of climate resilience crops.  We also teach how to make eco-friendly stoves.

The Climate Resilience Sustainable Livelihood for Vulnerable People (CRSLVP) project is focusing on Church and Community Transformation, Climate Change and Livelihood improvements in the coastal zone of Mongla and includes developing a Disaster Management Committee.

The coastal areas of Bangladesh are particularly prone to flooding and salination of the soil and this means growing the historic crops may not be possible. One of the areas of diversification incudes teaching and helping the vulnerable community to develop fish farms and particularly crab farms. Crabs are an excellent source of income as there is a strong market for them.

We have established 20 demonstration plots teaching smart and saline tolerant agriculture production. To carry out the technical aspects of this programme we have worked together with the respective government officials. This also helps to integrate the programme within the local area.  Many of the recipients are women and disabled people who are taught not only about the farming but also business development skills to empower them to support their families. 

Life and Work is the magazine of the Church of Scotland. Special offer for new subscribers.

Climate Justice Diaries: Church of Scotland partners from around the world explore the impact of climate change, and what is being done to help. 

Jiwan Rai explains how climate is changing in Nepal, and how the churches are trying to help.
A group of Malawian youths explain why they are taking practical action to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Sandra Reis and Maria Eduarda Titosse report from Portugal, where much of the country is in severe or extreme drought
Per Ivar Våje of the Church of Norway says tackling climate change is a question of 'political will'
Updates from Church partners following the deadly cyclone in Malawi and Mozambique
The Rev Sharon Hollis reflects on the eruption and tsunami which devastated Tonga
Dr Ruth Padilla DeBorst examines how climate change will drive migration
Margaret Pang reflects on attending COP26 on behalf of the Boys' Brigade
Maness Nkhata from Malawi describes how climate change is affecting subsistence farmers.
Keith and Ida Waddell highlight how those least to blame for climate change are most at risk.
Joel Hafvenstein explains how climate change is impacting farming communities in Nepal.
Gorden Simango on how the crisis is affecting the poorest in Africa.