Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 13: Climate Action at Dhaka University
SDG 13: Climate Action at Dhaka University
The University of Dhaka (DU) plays a pivotal role in addressing Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG-13): Climate Action, aligning its operations with urgent climate interventions such as reducing carbon emissions, increasing awareness, and supporting communities and governments. These efforts span education, research, campus sustainability, and community engagement, placing DU at the forefront of climate action in Bangladesh and the region.
Shaping Future Leaders
- Multidisciplinary Environmental Education
- The Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences encompasses five departments:
- Geography and Environment
- Geology
- Oceanography
- Disaster Science and Climate Resilience
- Meteorology
- Objective: Equip students with a multidisciplinary understanding of climate change and resilience strategies.
- Impact: Trains professionals capable of addressing climate challenges in Bangladesh and beyond.
2. Green Initiatives in Classroom Practices
- The Department of Accounting and Information Systems (AIS) incorporates sustainability into education by:
- Reducing air conditioning usage.
- Planting trees suited to the local environment.
- Using eco-friendly classroom materials and minimizing waste.
- Impact: Demonstrates practical climate action within educational practices.
- Reference: Department of Accounting and Information Systems.
Innovative Solutions for Tomorrow
- Climate Change and Disaster Resilience
- The Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience organizes:
- Special Seminar on Disaster and Climate Resilience (November 2, 2022).
- Roundtable Discussion on Earthquake Risk Reduction (February 28, 2023).
- National Workshop on Landslide Risk Reduction focusing on Kutupalong Rohingya Refugee Camp (May 3, 2023).
- Impact: Advances disaster preparedness strategies, especially in climate-sensitive areas.
- Reference: Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience.
2. Climate Finance and Policy Research
- The Center for Policy Research on Business and Development (CPRBD) collaborates on:
- Institutional Capacity Enhancement for International Climate Finance Cells.
- Short Courses on Mobilizing Climate Finance with Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
- Impact: Enhances national capacity to access and implement international climate finance mechanisms.
- Reference: CPRBD Climate Finance Programs.
3. Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity
- The Department of Zoology conducts research on:
- Pollution mitigation.
- Biodiversity conservation.
- Faunal surveys in collaboration with NGOs.
- Impact: Supports ecological preservation and sustainable resource management.
- Reference: Department of Zoology.
Sustainable Campus and Practices
- Low-Carbon Energy Usage
- DU has initiated efforts to transition to low-carbon energy sources and optimize energy use through comprehensive tracking systems, which are still in development.
- Impact: Lays the foundation for long-term sustainability in campus operations.
- Reference: Sustainability Initiatives at DU.
2. Center for Climate Change Studies and Resource Utilization (CCCSRU)
- Conducts climate-related research and supports government climate action plans.
- Impact: Assists in national climate adaptation strategies and disaster response planning.
- Reference: CCCSRU at DU.
Empowering Communities for Change
- Disaster Preparedness and Relief Efforts
- DU collaborates with NGOs to:
- Develop emergency evacuation systems.
- Implement relief and relocation plans for flood-prone and cyclone-affected areas.
- Impact: Helps save thousands of lives annually through efficient disaster management.
- Reference: DU Disaster Preparedness Projects.
2. Climate Awareness Campaigns
- DU regularly organizes workshops and seminars to educate government officials and communities on climate risks and resilience strategies.
- Impact: Builds awareness and strengthens community-level climate adaptation efforts.
- Reference: DU Climate Awareness Programs.
Global Partnerships and Impact
Through its initiatives under SDG 13, Dhaka University:
- Enhances Climate Education: Offers multidisciplinary teaching and awareness programs to prepare students for climate challenges.
- Leads Research: Conducts groundbreaking studies on disaster resilience, climate finance, and environmental preservation.
- Promotes Sustainability: Introduces low-carbon energy practices and sustainable campus operations.
- Strengthens Community Engagement: Works with NGOs and government bodies to save lives and promote adaptive climate strategies.
