Climate experts call for joint action on land, water, and food security

Faith-based organisations and climate experts have called for a unified and ethical approach to climate justice, linking it closely with land, water, and food security.

The call came at a conference titled "Climate Justice and a Nexus Approach to Land, Water and Food", held at the CCDB Climate Centre on Friday (11 April), reads a press release.

The event was organised by the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), in collaboration with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the National Council of Churches in Bangladesh (NCCB).

It brought together global faith leaders, development practitioners, climate experts, and policymakers to explore how interlinked natural resource systems can be managed more fairly and sustainably in the face of climate change.

David A Halder, chairman of the CCDB Commission, delivered the opening remarks and welcomed the participants on behalf of CCDB.

Juliate Keya Malakar, executive director of CCDB and governing body member of WCC, opened the discussion by saying, "Climate change is not abstract—it is a cruel reality for people in Bangladesh and we need to find solutions for our resilience together."

NCCB President Christopher Adhikari also stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "We live on a planet where the climate is changing. Addressing climate change is not optional—it is an undeniable task."

The keynote address was delivered by Rev Prof Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the WCC, who acknowledged CCDB's leadership in addressing climate change and welcomed participants on behalf of the council.

He said, "Climate change reduces agricultural production, worsens existing vulnerabilities, and contributes to rising food insecurity. Our land, water, and food systems are deeply impacted by the changing climate. We need a holistic, ethical and integrated approach to tackle this crisis."

He further called for stronger land rights, improved water conservation, deeper collaboration with local governments and faith communities, and a greater focus on nutrition and education.

He also stressed the importance of integrating all WCC programmes to address land, water, and food challenges in the pursuit of climate justice. "We must act together to uplift vulnerable communities," he added.

A panel discussion followed, moderated by Dinesh Suna, programme executive of Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) and Land, Water and Food Advocacy at WCC.

The panel featured experts including Ahsan Uddin Ahmed, executive director of the Centre for Global Change; Farid Uddin Ahmed, former executive director of Arannak Foundation; and Juliate Keya Malakar.

Ahsan Uddin Ahmed described climate change as "an intergenerational crisis that we have contributed to."

He said, "We must be conscious of our carbon footprint. Unfortunately, there is no new or additional financing available for tackling climate change—but although we are among its worst victims, we have the courage to fight back."

Farid Uddin Ahmed spoke about the consequences of deforestation and its effect on water availability and food production.

He stated, "Water is a serious concern. Yet people's traditional knowledge and experience are valuable assets in adapting to climate change."

Juliate Keya Malakar highlighted the importance of justice-centred climate action, particularly for ethnic minorities in northern Bangladesh. She concluded the discussion by sharing CCDB's ongoing efforts to build resilience among communities across the country.