Rising Youth-Led Climate Action and Innovation in Bangladesh
“Less than 0.5%!” It hardly seems believable. Yet this is Bangladesh's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. For a country so heavily affected by climate change, the number feels almost impossible to believe. The evidence can be found almost everywhere: A canal clogged with plastic after a day of rain. A roadside covered in litter despite being cleaned just weeks before. A sapling planted with hope, only to be forgotten months later. Across Bangladesh, environmental challenges continue to affect communities and ecosystems, from pollution and unmanaged waste to the growing pressures of climate-related disasters on people's lives and the ecosystems they depend on. Addressing these challenges requires not only policies and infrastructure but also active participation from communities.
Against this backdrop, young leaders of Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD), the youth wing of JAAGO Foundation, have been working to create positive environmental change through initiatives that support Climate Action (SDG 13), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Life on Land (SDG 15). From cleanliness drives and tree plantation campaigns to environmental awareness initiatives, their efforts highlight how community participation can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Youth Leading the Way
Environmental challenges often become most visible in shared public spaces. In Lakshmipur Upazila, Chattogram Division, two canal restoration and clean-up drives were conducted under the leadership of the UNO with support from Volunteer for Bangladesh Lakshmipur District and participation of 25 volunteers in each project. The initiatives took place at Mandari Bazar on June 24, 2024 and Joksin Bazar on July 12, 2025. These initiatives helped restore drainage conditions, including the rehabilitation of the Rahmatkhali Canal, benefiting more than 5,000 people through each initiative.
Government of Bangladesh. (2025). Bangladesh's Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), p. ii. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/2025-09/Bangladesh%20Third%20Nationally%20Determined%20Contribution%20%28NDC%203.0%29.pdf
On World Environment Day, June 5, 2026, the Divisional Climate Summit held in Tangail district brought together 120 students and youth leaders to explore climate action beyond awareness. The summit introduced a Green Audit system to measure its carbon footprint, distributed tree saplings to encourage local greening and environmental stewardship, and encouraged participants to commit to environmental responsibility through a collective climate pledge and eco-innovation showcase. The event also created opportunities for young leaders to connect with environmental stakeholders and explore community-based sustainability solutions.
Creating lasting environmental change requires more than physical action. It also requires awareness, discussion, and community engagement. This idea was reflected in the “নিরন্তর | Not Just Today” initiative. On June 5, 2026, the “Not Just Today” initiative brought together youth, artists, and community members to promote environmental awareness and action. Volunteer For Bangladesh Dhaka South District collaborated with “Shunno” to organize this unique initiative through activities such as the Environmental Memory Wall and 60-Second Earth Testimony Booth. Participants shared their experiences, spoke out against pollution, created artwork and emphasized the importance of year-round commitment to protecting the environment.
Innovation in Action
Not all environmental initiatives begin with large-scale campaigns. Sometimes, the most impactful ideas are also the simplest.
In 2023, Rakibul Islam Razu, President of Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD) Tangail District, introduced an innovative approach to everyday stationery: a paper-based pen containing a seed capsule. Once the pen has been used, the seed capsule can be planted in suitable soil, giving the seed an opportunity to germinate and grow into a plant. The initiative has continued since its introduction, encouraging users to reconsider the environmental footprint of everyday products and demonstrating how simple ideas can promote responsible consumption.
In December 2021, as part of the 10th anniversary of Volunteer for Bangladesh, the Gazipur District team won the IDEA (Initiative for Development and Excellence Award) for their project “Plastic Turns into Nature,” presented at Gazipur Central Shaheed Minar. The initiative promoted environmental sustainability by exchanging plastic for trees, encouraging reduced plastic use and a greener future.
From restoring local waterways and mobilizing communities against plastic pollution to exploring sustainable innovations and encouraging climate-conscious behaviour, VBD volunteers are demonstrating the important role young people can play in environmental action. While each project starts locally, its impact can extend beyond a single community. As Bangladesh continues to face environmental degradation and growing climate risks, sustained youth engagement and community partnerships will become increasingly important. Together, these efforts remind us that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
Prepared by: Tanjika Tuhin Shoha, VBD Faridpur District, Alumni
Reviewed by: Tasfia Rahman, Climate Focal, JAAGO Foundation