By Atikur Rahman Atik from Rajshahi
A discussion on “Global Action for a Cooler Planet: Sustainable Cooling and the Future of Barind” and “Youth Commitment to Protect the Ozone Layer” was jointly organized by the Barind Youth Forum, BARCIK and the Green Coalition at BARCIK’s Rajshahi Regional Resource Centre.
Speakers of the event said that rising heatwaves, drought and climate risks are making cooling increasingly important for public health, food security, agriculture and climate adaptation. However, they stressed that expanding air-conditioning alone is not a sustainable solution. Cooling systems must be energy-efficient, climate-friendly and accessible to all.
Barind Youth Forum President Md. Atikur Rahman highlighted the region’s high temperatures, drought and groundwater pressure, calling for ponds, wetlands, trees, green spaces, natural ventilation and heat-resilient buildings to be recognized as natural cooling infrastructure. Indigenous Youth Council General Secretary Sabitri Hembrom called for an integrated approach linking ozone protection, climate action, energy efficiency and equitable access to cooling.
Participants also highlighted Bangladesh’s implementation of the Montreal Protocol and ratification of the Kigali Amendment in 2020, which aims to phase down high-global-warming-potential HFCs.
The meeting called for stronger national action on sustainable cooling, including environmentally safer refrigerants, energy-efficient equipment, refrigerant recovery and safe disposal, technician training, green procurement and protection of natural cooling systems.
Participants also proposed a “Climate-Smart Barind Cooling” pilot integrating green spaces, improved buildings and energy-efficient technologies in schools, health centres, agricultural storage facilities and community buildings.
The meeting was moderated by Poli Rani, General Secretary of the Barind Youth Forum.