Dhaka has again topped the list of cities around the world with the worst air quality this morning (December 05, 2024). With an air quality index (AQI) score of 392 at 9:00 am, Dhaka ranked first in the list of cities with the most polluted air. Dhaka’s air most polluted in the world Wednesday morning An AQI between 151 and 200 is said to be ‘unhealthy’ while 201 and 300 is considered ‘very unhealthy’, and 301 to 400 is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Mongolia's Ulaanbaatar, India's Kolkata and Pakistan's Lahore occupied the second, third and fourth places with AQI of 229,215 and 206 respectively. In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants — Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone. Winter settles over Bangladesh: Cooler days and nights ahead Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital of Bangladesh, has topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 259 at 9:00 am on Wednesday. Dhaka’s air was classified as 'very unhealthy', according to the air quality and pollution city ranking. An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy' while 201-300 is 'very unhealthy', and 301-400 is considered 'hazardous', posing severe health risks to residents. Winter settles over Bangladesh: Cooler days and nights ahead Egypt's Cairo, Iraq's Baghdad and Uganda's Kampala occupied the second, third and fourth spots in the list, with AQI scores of 241, 189 and 187, respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka’s air quality 7th worst this morning Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.

Speakers at a workshop have highlighted the importance of coordinated action among stakeholders to address climate change vulnerabilities.  The discussions aimed to identify challenges, develop collaborative strategies, and emphasise  the pivotal role of security sectors in addressing climate change impacts. By bridging research, policy and practice, they emphasised the need for actionable strategies and international cooperation to build resilience in climate-vulnerable nations like Bangladesh.  The workshop, held recently in Dhaka, underscored the critical role of such forums in fostering informed solutions for a secure and sustainable future. The Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), with the support from the European Union, hosted the workshop on “Climate Change and Security: Addressing Potential Instabilities in Bangladesh.”  Attended by researchers, journalists, university students, NGO officials, and senior representatives from Bangladesh's Environment Ministry, Police, Ansar and Village Defence Forces, Fire Service, Army, Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, and Border Guards, the event gathered a diverse audience to engage with the critical intersections of climate change and security. Economic opportunities for women through south-south cooperation The workshop featured speakers, including Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow at BIPSS, and Dr. Kawser Ahmed, a professor at the University of Manitoba, alongside video presentations by Dr Chad Briggs and Major General (Retd.) Joseph G. Singh.  The workshop started with Shafqat Munir’s presentation, which focused on climate change as a "threat multiplier," highlighting its role in exacerbating vulnerabilities such as resource scarcity, economic instability, and displacement.  He stressed integrating climate policies into security frameworks, leveraging tools like the Climate Security Mechanism to address socio-political risks.  It was followed by a video presentation outlining the military’s transition from traditional roles to humanitarian assistance.  EuroCham launched, seen as new milestone in Bangladesh-EU business relations He emphasised the need for threat-specific strategies and debunked climate disinformation as a barrier to coordinated responses. An interactive discussion highlighted key issues, including emissions regulation, renewable energy, grassroots awareness campaigns, and the National Action Plan’s gaps in integrating security sectors into climate strategies.  Participants from Bangladesh Ansar shared their disaster response efforts in remote areas, calling for localised and sustainable interventions. Dr Kawser Ahmed examined the roles of civil and military sectors in disaster preparedness and resilience-building.  He highlighted early warning systems, green energy transitions, and cross-sector collaboration as critical tools to mitigate climate impacts.  His call for equitable global solutions, such as the 'Loss and Damage Fund,' resonated strongly, emphasising support for vulnerable nations like Bangladesh.  Security enhanced for Bangladesh missions in India A video presentation by Major General (Retd.) Joseph G Singh expanded on the military’s role in disaster response operations, stressing the need for balanced military engagement and greater coordination with civilian and NGO entities. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session that emphasised  the need for data-driven policymaking, improved coordination between security sectors, and sustainable solutions modelled on initiatives like NATO’s net-zero goals.  Participants stressed the urgency of creating common platforms for collaboration to streamline disaster responses and reduce bureaucratic delays.

As winter deepens across Bangladesh, a distinct drop in temperatures is being observed nationwide.  The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecast cooler days and nights, with temperatures expected to decline further in the coming weeks. In its latest 72-hour forecast issued Tuesday night, the BMD said that nighttime temperatures are likely to fall by 1–2°C, while daytime temperatures could also experience a slight decline.  The weather is expected to remain mostly dry, with light to moderate fog in some areas during the late night and early morning hours. Winter in Bangladesh unlikely to begin before January: Meteorologist A seasonal low-pressure system over the South Bay of Bengal and its extension into the northeastern Bay has contributed to these conditions, marking the transition into a more typical winter pattern.  The five-day extended outlook suggests temperatures may dip even further, intensifying the chill across the country. December: A Time of Mild Yet Distinctive Winters December heralds a shift in Bangladesh's climate, characterised by dry conditions, cooler nights, and pleasant days. According to international weather monitoring agencies, the average daytime highs in most regions range between 25°C and 27°C, while nighttime lows fall to around 14°C to 17°C.  Cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet experience low humidity levels and abundant sunshine, making the weather conducive to outdoor activities and travel. Dhaka’s air quality 7th worst this morning Dhaka: Daytime temperatures typically hover between 16°C and 26°C, with little to no rainfall. Chattogram: The coastal city enjoys mild winter weather, with temperatures ranging from 17.5°C to 25°C. Sylhet: Known for its hilly terrain, Sylhet experiences cooler conditions, with lows reaching 13°C. Historical Context and Cultural Significance Winter in Bangladesh is a season of festivities and agricultural activities. Farmers utilise this time to cultivate crops like rice and vegetables under favourable  conditions.  Cities and rural areas alike embrace the cooler weather, with fairs, weddings, and outdoor events in full swing. But, the chillier nights and potential fog can pose challenges for vulnerable communities, particularly in northern districts, where temperatures tend to be lower.  Travellers are advised to exercise caution during early morning hours when visibility may be reduced due to fog. Light rains likely in Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram divisions Advisory for Residents and Visitors The BMD recommends light jackets for evenings and early mornings and staying updated on weather conditions, especially for those traveling long distances.  International visitors are encouraged to explore Bangladesh during this period, with key destinations like Cox’s Bazar, the Sundarbans, and tea gardens in Sylhet offering an ideal blend of pleasant weather and scenic beauty. As the winter chill intensifies, Bangladesh prepares to embrace a season of natural beauty, cultural celebrations, and a much-anticipated respite from the heat.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the 7th on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 184 at 8:55 am Tuesday. Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy’, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Iraq's Baghdad, India's  Delhi and Pakistan’s Karachi occupied the first, second and third spots respectively on the list, with AQI scores of 246, 244 and 221 respectively. Dhaka's air quality 5th worst in the world this morning The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has called for immediate, collaborative action and shared investments to address droughts and land degradation, aiming for a unified vision of climate resilience. She urged the global community to accelerate climate action for both mitigation and adaptation, highlighting Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change during her speech at the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience titled “From Geneva to Riyadh and Beyond: Enhancing Global and National Policy Instruments for a Proactive Drought Management Approach” on Monday. The session took place as part of the ongoing United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Sixteenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As a lower riparian country, Bangladesh underscored the importance of protecting shared river basins and international waters, adhering to principles of equity, no harm, and cooperation. Rizwana pointed out that UN projections predict a 40 percent global water supply-demand gap by 2030 and called for the international legal recognition of the right to water and a collective commitment to safeguard this fundamental right. She advocated for applying the precautionary principle in development, stressing the need for environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA), meaningful public engagement, and respect for community knowledge. Rizwana also called for enforceable regulations to manage water-intensive industries and agricultural practices sustainably. Emphasising the significance of community participation, Rizwana highlighted the need to institutionalise the roles of farmers, forest dwellers, women, and indigenous communities in decision-making. She called for combining awareness with empowerment by providing communities with technology, financial support, and access to solutions. In her closing remarks, the Environment Adviser urged the UNCCD to strengthen its role in facilitating technology transfers to support vulnerable nations. She called for strong political leadership and vision at both global and national levels to transform these commitments into action, emphasising the pivotal role of forums like COP16 in achieving these objectives. Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed also attended the event.

Efforts are underway by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, alongside other relevant agencies, to regulate uncontrolled tourism and conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem of St Martin’s Island, Bangladesh’s only coral island. As part of these initiatives, obtaining a travel pass through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s app has been made mandatory for travelers on approved vessels. Tourists are required to deposit polythene and single-use plastic items before boarding, with environment friendly jute bags being distributed to discourage plastic usage. Restrictions won’t harm St. Martin's tourism industry, says Adviser Hassan Ariff Hotels are also maintaining registers to document tourists’ accommodation details. Visitors are being verbally informed about regulations that must be followed during their stay. A billboard containing instructions for tourists has been installed at Nuniachhara Jetty. To curb unregulated tourism, a committee has been formed, headed by the Upazila Nirbahi Officers of Teknaf and Cox’s Bazar Sadar Upazilas. Additionally, a 21-member monitoring cell has been established to oversee vessel and tourism activities. Between November 30 and December 31, ten teams from the Department of Environment are monitoring the use of polythene and plastics on vessels. A total of 681 passengers, including 644 tourists and 37 locals, traveled to St Martin’s Island on December 2. A total of 704 travel passes were issued for the day.

Yann Jourdan, a French sailor, has traded higher earnings on fuel-powered cargo ships for the peace of mind that comes with captaining a sail-powered vessel. Though his income is now a fraction of what it could be, Jourdan takes pride in using wind energy to transport goods across the Atlantic, reducing the shipping industry's carbon footprint for the sake of future generations, including his young son. Shipping accounts for over 80% of global trade but also contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Without a swift transition to cleaner energy, this pollution is expected to increase. Sail-powered cargo ships like the Grain de Sail II are proving that wind energy can offer a sustainable alternative. South Korea hosts nations tackling global plastic crisis resolution The Grain de Sail II is a modern vessel equipped with carbon-fiber masts, mechanized sail systems, and advanced navigation technology. It operates primarily on wind power, using its diesel engine only in ports. Founded by Jacques and Olivier Barreau, the Grain de Sail company finances these ventures with profits from their chocolate and coffee business. The ship’s swift transatlantic crossings—17 days to New York and 15 days back—demonstrate the efficiency of modern sail technology. Wind-assist technology is also gaining traction on larger engine-powered cargo ships. Vessels like the massive Sea Zhoushan use spinning rotors to harness wind energy, cutting fuel consumption by up to 8%. Finnish company Norsepower has equipped 16 ships with this technology and has orders for more. According to Clarksons Research, wind-assisted ships are a growing segment, with 165 vessels already operational or in development. Upcoming EU regulations requiring large cargo ships to pay for some emissions by 2025 are further incentivizing this shift. Bryan Comer of the International Council on Clean Transportation believes wind propulsion will play a key role in decarbonizing even the largest cargo vessels. Low pressure area intensifies into well-marked low over Bay While wind-powered ships face challenges, such as reliance on favorable weather, companies like Neoline are addressing these limitations with hybrid systems. Neoline’s upcoming vessel, set to launch in 2025, will rely on wind for 70% of its energy and diesel for punctuality. Grain de Sail is already planning a third, larger vessel that will carry significantly more cargo while maintaining its commitment to wind power. For Jourdan, there’s no turning back to fuel-powered shipping. He calls it a "dirty business" and remains dedicated to sustainable alternatives he can be proud of.

Dhaka, the overcrowded capital city of Bangladesh, has ranked the fifth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 183 at 9am this morning (December 02, 2024). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy’, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi’s, Pakistan’s Lahore and again Pakistan’s Karachi occupied the first, second and third spots respectively on the list, with AQI scores of 260, 241 and 193 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Read: Dhaka’s air quality ‘unhealthy’ this morning Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.

On the first workday of the week, Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, ranked the fifth on the list of cities with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 193 at 8:50m this morning (December 01, 2024). Today’s air was classified as 'unhealthy’, according to the AQI index. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 50 and 100, air quality is considered ‘moderate’, usually sensitive individuals should consider limiting prolonged outdoor exertion, between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. India’s Delhi’s, Ghana’s Accra and Pakistan’s Karachi occupied the first, second and third spots in the list, with AQI scores of 269, 203 and 199 respectively. The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2, and ozone. Read: Dhaka's air quality 5th worst in the world this morning Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.