Bangladesh has made a promise to cut emissions through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) report. But is it really possible to achieve a fair transition in livestock without focusing on native breeds, natural fodder, and the traditional practices of rural women? Or will multinational companies just keep profiting while claiming they’re meeting climate goals?
At a recent session called “From Pledge to Practice: Delivering Climate Finance in Vulnerable Situations,” Pieternel Boogaard from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) highlighted the importance of financing for local communities that practice traditional farming.
There were many discussions on agriculture and adapting to climate change, especially on November 12. At the Food and Agriculture Pavilion, experts talked about using natural methods to improve soil carbon, promote agroecology, and support small farmers. Ruleta Camacho Thomas, climate envoy for Antigua and Barbuda, emphasized that climate finance is urgently needed, while Rwanda’s Environment Minister Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye pointed to the need for local innovation funding.
Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology, stressed that financing must be inclusive and community-focused. Gianni Laan Hing Poo from Mauritius added that a fair transition isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about social justice and economy. Local adaptation methods should be prioritized, he said.
During a break, I met Fanuel Operi Murangi, a farmer from the Bandero indigenous community in Namibia. This area in the Kalahari Desert faces worsening droughts and wildfires, making farming more and more challenging.
My mind wandered back to a story by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay about a farmer named Gafur, his daughter Amina, and their cow, Mahesh. Gafur lost their grazing land to a cruel landlord, leaving them with no food or fields. In despair, Gafur sold Mahesh and left to work in the city.
Around the world, people like Gafur, Amina, and Mahesh face similar struggles. Colonialism and inequality still linger, and now they contend with the harsh impacts of climate change. Gafur might find a way out, but what about Mahesh? The challenges we face in a changing climate compel us to ask: is there a way forward for humanity that addresses both our environmental and social crises?
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Climate Vulnerability,Climate Change Impact,Brazil
