Launching Ceremony of
Climate Change Study Cell
The low lying topography, riverine and coastal flooding, tropical cyclones, storm surges, tornadoes, widespread poverty, higher population density, poor institutional development etc. have made Bangladesh more vulnerable to climate change and variability and the importance of research related to better understanding of climate changes, its impact on humans and ecosystems continues to increase, said the hosts and guests of the Launching Ceremony of the Climate study cell (CCSC) at the Council Bhaban, BUET yesterday (8th March, 2009)
Launching the first study cell of this kind, the Chair of Multidisciplinary Liason committee, CCSC and the Director of IWFM, BUET Dr. Anisul Haque presented the vision of the Climate Change Study Cell to establish itself as the premier knowledge center on climate change risk and adaptation for Bangladesh.
Dr. AKM Saiful Islam, Coordinator of CCSC, introduced the mission and programs of the CCSC and gave an overview of the initiatives already taken by the study cell and of the upcoming activities.
The Chief Guest of the ceremony, Dr. Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, MP, Hon'ble Minister, Ministry of Food and Disaster Management, GOB, in his speech recognized the high potential of the premier educational institution like BUET in providing capabilities and opportunities for climate system modeling and research. In stressing the need for a holistic approach, the Chief Guest said that the mitigation and adaptation policy due to climate change has to be in coherence with the reality of the political, social, economic and environmental changes ongoing in Bangladesh.
In closing remarks, the Chairman of the program, Dr. A.M.M. Safiullah, Vice-Chancellor, BUET outlined the rationale for the Climate Change Study Cell at BUET, emphasizing that research is the first step towards creating awareness and towards adaptation to strengthen the resilience of human, social and natural systems to the likely impact of climate change.
The Launching ceremony ended with an impressive poster session on climate change and tea.