The climate crisis is a global challenge, but it hits home when we consider the fate of those most vulnerable. The Amazon and the Waldemar Henrique Theater in Belém, Brazil, set the stage for a crucial climate conference, a meeting point for representatives from around the world. I found myself staying at a house in the city, alongside delegates from various nations, all united by a common concern: the future of our planet. But as the discussions unfolded, a deeper, more personal story began to emerge, revealing the human cost of climate change.
On the third day, I met German Qaghay Sedoyeka from Tanzania, a representative of the Datooga pastoralist community. He asked about Bangladesh, and I shared details of the vast pasturelands of Sirajganj and Pabna—the Bathan grazing grounds. I described the 1,600-acre Bathans, the death of the Gohala and Dhalai rivers, water scarcity, heatwaves, and the annual floods that submerge the Bathans. I also shared that the cows have names after heroes and heroines from Bangla films, and the herders and cows understand each other. German, in turn, described the plight of the Datooga, a nomadic community whose traditional way of life is under threat. Drought and erratic rainfall, known as “Roftai Manang,” are forcing young people to migrate to cities. The Arusha region faces “Gweyda,” or severe drought, forcing people to walk 15 kilometers daily to fetch water. They cannot keep their cows without water, as the animals are considered family.
At the conference entrance, vegan activists protested animal-based food, holding banners that read: “Multinational meat production is responsible for climate change. Animals are our friends, not food.” German noted that the conference seemed to overlook the crucial role of livestock in the climate crisis, despite the intertwined relationship between animals and our lives. But here's where it gets controversial: some livelihoods depend on livestock, while others oppose corporate animal-based food with evidence.
For the first time, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock participated in the climate conference. The ministry's adviser, Farida Akhter, emphasized the need to showcase Bangladesh’s strengths. However, the nation faces challenges, including the loss of native livestock diversity and grazing lands. Hybrid cows now dominate meat and milk supply, and livestock deaths due to lightning strikes are increasing. The traditional herding system has disappeared, and heatwaves are causing new animal diseases. Bangladesh aims to produce 4.992 million metric tons of fish, 16.36 million metric tons of milk, 8.51 million metric tons of meat, and 22.393 billion eggs by 2024–25.
Bangladesh's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) report pledges a “just transition.” But is this possible without prioritizing native species, Bathans, and rural women's traditional management systems? Or will corporate livestock trade continue in the name of achieving “targets”?
At a session on climate finance, Pieternel Boogaard from IFAD emphasized financing for local communities’ adaptation. Discussions also covered agriculture, global adaptation goals, and just transition in the energy sector. At the Food and Agriculture Pavilion, they discussed maintaining natural methods to increase soil carbon, agroecology, farmer capacity, forest restoration, effective forecasting, supporting small and marginal farmers, and the use of digital technology in agriculture. Ruleta Camacho Thomas called for ensuring climate finance as soon as possible, and Rwanda’s Environment Minister Dr Bernadette Arakwiye stressed the importance of mobilizing internal financing. Mukhtar Babayev, President of the last COP-29, emphasized the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive, indigenous and community-based, and people-centered financing. Gianni Laan Hing Poo said, “Just transition is not only an environmental issue—it is linked to social justice and economics. Local adaptation strategies should receive the highest priority.”
I also met Fanuel Operi Murangi, a farmer from the Bandero indigenous community in Namibia, where droughts and bushfires are increasing. Returning by bus, I was reminded of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s story Mahesh, where a farmer's cow is lost due to poverty and climate change.
And this is the part most people miss: Colonialism, inequality, and the arrogance of power persist, compounded by climate shocks. Gafurs may find ways to flee, but in a human-made world, where will the Maheshes escape? Will we ever find an answer on the climate stage?
What do you think? Do you agree that the climate crisis disproportionately affects the most vulnerable? Do you believe that livestock should be a central part of the climate conversation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
