Climate Justice, Hope, and Representation: The Path to Resilience

As an economics student hailing from Bangladesh, I, Bashar, have personally witnessed the devastating impacts of climate change on my country and its people. The more I learned about the climate crisis and its disproportionate effect on the Global South, the more I realized the importance of climate justice, hope, and representation of marginalized communities in addressing this global challenge.

When I attended COP27 held in Egypt in November 2022, I saw first hand how the voices of the Global South were often underrepresented in climate negotiations. I noticed that the stories of resilience, hope, and determination in the face of climate change were largely missing from these discussions. This realization fuelled my passion for amplifying the untold stories of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis and promoting climate justice. It made me determined to draw the attention of the international community to the struggles and perseverance of the marginalized communities in my home country against climate change.

To cater to this determination, I will embark on a cycling journey across Bangladesh this summer to document the inspiring resilience and adaptation efforts of marginalized communities throughout the country. By sharing their stories, I aim to raise awareness, mobilize support, and channel resources and capital toward grassroots climate initiatives that are making a tangible impact on the ground. I believe that this project will not only shed light on the challenges faced by the people of Bangladesh but also inspire others around the world to join the fight for climate justice.

Abul Bashar Rahman at last year’s UN climate conference in Egypt | Photo by Rynn Zhang

My journey will take me from the northernmost point of Tetulia to the southernmost tip of Teknaf in Bangladesh, where I will meet individuals deeply impacted by climate change from diverse backgrounds. Through extensive research, I have unearthed powerful stories of resilience and adaptation from various sectors, including farmers and fishermen who have made remarkable strides in the face of adversity. By showcasing these narratives, I hope to give them the attention they deserve and share them with a wider audience.

By focusing on hope and resilience, my project aims to inspire others to act in the face of climate change. I firmly believe that hope is the strongest weapon we have in addressing this crisis. When we become overwhelmed by the vastness of the challenge, we may lose sight of the importance of taking the first step. By emphasizing hope, we can motivate ourselves and others to act with determination and persistence. In fact, these stories of resilience can be a lesson for us to keep holding on to our hopes.

Connecting my project in Bangladesh to resilience efforts across the globe is crucial for fostering a sense of global solidarity in the fight against climate change. By amplifying the voices of those most affected by the crisis, we can create a ripple effect that encourages others to share their own stories, learn from one another, and work together towards a more just and sustainable future.

Abul Bashar Rahman meets with the High Commission team of Canada in Bangladesh to discuss his cycling project | Photo courtesy High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh.