Send a message to the frontline of climate change

I don't want to be the negative voice here, but surely a river of such volume will wash away raised foundations such as the people in the video were creating. Would it not be safer ,and wiser in the long term ,to move the entire community off the island so that they can rebuild their lives with some hope of permanence. I do greatly admire all the people of Char Atra , and my wish for them is that a solution may be found, in whatever way, to their great dilemma.

Rosemarie Weston | August 10, 2009 12:02 PM

Greetings from a privileged English woman who does not have to face the devastating effects of climate change as you do. I am ashamed. I support Oxfam because we all have the same rights to a decent life. I salute your resilience and ask what you feel is most immediately needed to improve your situation in Char Atra?

Anon | August 7, 2009 10:38 AM

Would you like more practical help from Oxfam, your own Government and international community rather than just another visit from an Oxfam team who should know by now the consequences of rising sea levels on your community?

Anthony Bender | August 6, 2009 9:54 PM

The problem is ensuring world aid and donations reaches the right people. There is no point in giving money to support the world's poorest nations if the funds do not make an impact to eliminate third world poverty?

An infastructure of education, horticultural survival, irrigation, clean water, and free healthcare.

The whole world's leaders need to participate and unite to eliminate third world poverty and disease forever...

Stephen Beasley | August 6, 2009 4:55 PM

Even if sceptics like 'Fred West' were right about climate change not being man-made, the rich hold their wealth in trust for all humanity. What could the West do really to help, with their technological and financial resources that you, with all your courage and resourcefulness, cannot do? Of course, we must cut our carbon to avoid making things even worse for generations yet unborn.

charles jolly | August 2, 2009 8:31 AM

I have just watched these videos and I am lost for words, I do not know what I can say to these people to give them hope, I am so lucky, which I admit that sometimes I take for granted and I would be lost in your position. Villagers of Char Atra, you are brave, utterly fantastic human beings for coping through this and we should all do something to help, I will help and I want to thank oxfam for everything they do. You and your families are in my prayers.

Loren | August 1, 2009 9:18 PM

I am so sorry about what has happened to your community. It is not fair that you have to struggle to survive while I have an easy life with many unnecessary luxuries. Whenever I am tempted to think that my actions do not have an impact on the environment or on people's lives, I will think of you and remember that they do.

Sally Bridgewater | August 1, 2009 2:06 PM

Not having been able to have children myself, and living here in the safety of my home town of Colchester in the UK, I cannot begin to understand how it must feel for you to see your children and grandchildren live with such dangerous conditions day by day.

Each day I try my best, in my own small way, not to do things which can add to climate change, and cut my use of energy where I don't really need it

My love and respect to you all for your resilience and determination.

Joanne Lynch | August 1, 2009 11:45 AM

It is so sad that the people of Bangladesh are having to leave their homes due to flooding. The government needs to step in to make sure that they have a place to stay, and talk about what they can do to help them out. Hopefully we as citizens of the world will do our part to combat climate change.

Peter Dobbie | July 31, 2009 8:43 PM

What age do children start work and what are working hours typically in Bangladesh?

Euan | July 31, 2009 1:13 PM

What is the Bangladesh government doing to help you?
Are there any government projects set up to rehabilitate those who are losing their lands due to water moving inland?

Priyanka | July 31, 2009 11:30 AM

This is not only a video clip rather a sample of how climate change is creating threats to livelihoods in rural Bangladesh. So let's promote "Stop Climate Change, Before it STOP us". Are the development agencies and countries responsible taking any effective initiatives to help reduce the risk of climate change?

Shahid Uddin Akbar | July 30, 2009 2:00 PM

Thank you for giving us all this insight into the true effects of climate breakdown on people around the world. I am sorry that you must go through these things because of the actions of people so far away from you. I hope that your plight - and the plight of so many other people and animals around the globe - will force our leaders to make the right decisions in Copenhagen this December. There are many people fighting right now for this to happen - we care a great deal for you and for the future of the whole Earth family.

Syed Amiruzzaman, Columnist & Leader of Workers Party of Bangladesh | July 29, 2009 7:59 PM

I care...I spent 3 months of this year working in Chittagong, Bangladesh and although I may never experience the monsoon itself i know its effects and its shadow reflected in faces of the people I met. The hardest thing was knowing the people affected will never know a life unaffected and the people causing the climate change will never know the pain they face. Bangladesh is at peace with humanity but at war with nature and it is as a human race that we should address this vast inequality that we inflicted upon ourselves...
ame tomake valobasi
Bridget

Bridget Holtom | July 29, 2009 6:57 PM

Dear Char Atra Villagers: You are not alone, your pain is our pain. This situation must be changed and there are people around the world that must understand that life in the first world is as important as life in the third world. Your voices are mine, and from my little poor country (Bolivia) i send you my solidarity.

Ximena Sandy | July 29, 2009 3:26 PM

To the people of Char Atra: If you were in our position, what would you be doing to help the community of Char Atra?

Katherine Chelsom | July 29, 2009 1:15 PM

Dear Char Atra villagers,
Your stories are all so sad and so moving... my heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones in the floods... we will be thinking of you and your families during the coming monsoon. One thing is clear - we who are responsible for climate change need to do whatever it takes to make communities like yours safe ones in which to live.

Jo Woodcock | July 29, 2009 12:19 PM

The video c lips on the Oxfam website are so moving and I agree that they should be shown to everyone to show how climate change is affecting people in places like Char Atra, who do not have the facilities or funds to deal with the damage it does to their community, and I will continue to support Oxfam and its work there by working in my local Oxfam shop and applaud people like Ben who are out there directly helping and talking to people like Sufina, making sure she and her community knows that we all care about them!

Rachael Leah | July 29, 2009 11:11 AM

Dear Char Atra villagers,

I was saddened to hear about your plight. This is all so unnecessary. You are not alone. Myself and other people from all around the world, as you can read, will continue to put pressure on govts. and help Oxfam and other organisations in a concerted effort to sort out this sorry state of affairs.

Best wishes

Dave Callis | July 29, 2009 11:02 AM

climate change is a serious matter - world leaders should take action. where i live in pakistan's sindh province, the last monsoon season destroyed the rice crops in four districts. wheat crops were also destroyed because of water logging - poor farmers are in economic crisis. i appreciate that oxfam educates people about climate change.

nadeem thahim | July 29, 2009 8:09 AM

How drinkable is the water from the well? Do you have to boil it?

Ana Garcia | July 28, 2009 11:04 PM

Remember! You are not alone.
We must work and support each other.
Courage!

Iraiida Lukka-de Groot | July 28, 2009 7:08 PM

What other support is available to the villagers of Chra Atra besides what Oxfam can offer?
As you say we are in this together and I will email my Prime Minister Gordon Brown on this issue on your behalf and urge him to all he can to address this issue.
My thoughts are with you all.

Sharron Blackmore | July 28, 2009 6:18 PM

My best wishes to everyone on this project & to the people of Bangladesh. I hope the World leaders will take their responsibility seriously at summits like the G8 & reduce carbon emissions. I am lobbying my MP here in Milton Keynes to urge her government to take action on UK & World carbon emissions.
Best wishes
Colin Barron

Colin Barron | July 28, 2009 5:27 PM

Yes we definitely do care what happens to you and do our best in our family to not add to climate change. What would be the best way we, as far away as we are, could help you?

marja bonada | July 28, 2009 4:35 PM

Many of us in the Western world are opposed to the policies our Governments have in place which contribute to climate change and deforestation. Our thoughts are with you and we will keep the pressure on our Governments to change things for the better.

Graeme Williams | July 28, 2009 3:17 PM

I am sending you all my love and prayers from England. I will do what I can from here to help influence the decisions made in Copenhagen in December. Don't give up. We won't! What is it that YOU think would help you all the most right now?

Love and peace,
Sophia Rose. xxx

Sophia Rose | July 28, 2009 3:06 PM

I think these videos should be shown to everyone, so all people will realize the impact that climate change has on these people and will be moved to help them, and pressure leaders to do all they can.
Also is it possible to make sure all money and supplies make it to where they are needed most? Or do all regions get the same amount of aid regardless of population and need?

Anon | July 28, 2009 2:55 PM

I just wanted to post a quick message to say THANK YOU - so many comments already, and so many wonderful messages of support. I can't wait to take these with me to show people like Sufia and Hasina how much you care. Keep them coming!

Ben Beaumont | July 28, 2009 11:52 AM

These stories are deeply moving and I pray for you. As a climate change activist and member of the Optimum Population Trust how are the women being helped with family planning?

I speak to many people in campaigns and hear much negativity from lack of climate literacy. I shall refer people to your excellent website.

Many thanks for all that you do.

susan chapman | July 28, 2009 11:49 AM

The effect of climate change is a real challenge and your courage is a fine example to all. We do our personal best to minimise our own impact on the planet but it needs so much more from the world's leaders. The campaigns by Oxfam and others will make a difference. I am concerned about the way the health of your community, particularly the children, is affected by the floods.

Margot | July 28, 2009 11:38 AM

Thank you for giving us all this insight into the true effects of climate breakdown on people around the world. I am sorry that you must go through these things because of the actions of people so far away from you. I hope that your plight - and the plight of so many other people and animals around the globe - will force our leaders to make the right decisions in Copenhagen this December. There are many people fighting right now for this to happen - we care a great deal for you and for the future of the whole Earth family.

Cathy | July 28, 2009 11:26 AM

I feel we in the West have to make our leaders listen for two reasons, one we caused the problem and two if we don't save the developing world we are next.
So how best can we help you?
Andy Mount

Andrew Mount | July 28, 2009 11:13 AM

Do you feel that the positive impact on publicity made by people flying to visit you is greater than the negative impact that the CO2 emissions from their flights are causing to the climate? What would you say to other people from thousands of miles away who want to continue to fly for good causes?

(I condemn not, this question concerns me too)

Tim Allen | July 28, 2009 11:06 AM

The pictures show that you are strong and brave people. I hope that you can continue to work together and get any outside support that you need.
Best wishes.

Liz Hanton | July 28, 2009 11:02 AM

We would like to support and encourage the courageous people of the delta in their struggles against flood waters. We give small amounts when we can throughout the year, but hope that this experience will serve as both warning and example to world leaders. Perhaps the rich soil deposits could be moved to create higher and still fertile land capable of supporting populations?

Barbara Colley | July 28, 2009 10:21 AM

Char Atra you are a monument of strength and the live proof that changes MUST be made. As for you Ben, congratulations on your activity and anytime you need a volunteer from another part of the world to join these campaigns i am here. We are the world after all...

Flavia | July 28, 2009 10:18 AM

I think this video highlights a very strong message on what needs to done about climate change in Char Atra and other places in the East.
When floods and tsunamis occur there should be more safety helicopters and transport for safety in Char Atra from countries like UK and USA.

Neelam Shah | July 28, 2009 10:02 AM

It is inspiring that the villagers survive and cope with these harsh conditions in every day life, taking such unpredictable weather in their stride. I hope problems due to climate change will soon be lessened by all of the developed world fighting it together. I wish the community in Char Atra good luck and happiness!

Beth | July 28, 2009 9:58 AM

Dear friends of Char Atra

I want you to know that I regularly buy and donate from our local Oxfam shop knowing the money is going to help people like you.

We are praying for you and I will put you on our prayer list at Church praying especially that God supplies your needs.

With warmest love
Kathryn Taylor, Stockport, England

Kathryn Taylor | July 28, 2009 9:15 AM

This is a message of support to let you know that you are not alone, and people around the world are trying to help in whatever way they can. t

Teresa Henderson | July 28, 2009 9:12 AM

Climate change is really a serious issue of which i think more campaigns should be done on. as i view climate change it is also caused by human activities and they should be educated about it . i will be willing to work with you and research more, write articles and educate people more on climate change and how we can minimize it. Together we will make a difference.

Makanyadza Takaindisa | July 28, 2009 8:58 AM

will you visit to pakistan in this regard?

shehbaz khan | July 28, 2009 8:47 AM

What is reason behind the floods in the south asian region?

We wish you people should visit to northern area pakistan and give awareness for that people do not cut the trees from the beautiful jungle in this region.I belong to northern area of pakistan it like paradise but from some years there is landsliding problem in this area. i wish Oxfam lounge a project for the protecting the natural beauty of this area
thanks

shahb

shehbaz | July 28, 2009 8:46 AM

Regards to you all in Bangladesh from Manchester England. My thoughts and prayers are with you all especially as the monsoon period starts. You are not forgotten and a great many British people as well as people from all over the world are campaigning for Climate change. Who knows what will happen to our world we must all take care of it to ensure that all people live in safety and free from poverty.

Doreen Healey | July 28, 2009 8:42 AM

my prayers are with you.

deborah | July 28, 2009 8:37 AM

We will do what we can to help you because we do care tho you may be miles away we are still a family

Dave | July 28, 2009 7:26 AM

climate change that we face now need our worldwide leader to act and overcome this problem not just blaming each other.

Osman Ahmad | July 28, 2009 2:52 AM

Hello. I'm very sorry that the actions of people in the west have contributed towards the disruption of the natural world. I hope and pray that your hard work alongside Oxfam will help you this year and that the rains will not be bad. Best wishes, Kerri

Kerri | July 27, 2009 11:46 PM

I am moved by your stories and am thinking of you. Please know that i will do all I can to make a difference. Here and now.

Emma | July 27, 2009 10:59 PM

The changes that are happening to you are happening globally. It is very sad that we in the industrialised countries are responsible. I am sorry for that, and hope that our leaders can work to help you prepare for a better future. My questions are:
What preparations are your government making to protect you? Do the schools now teach about the changes that we will all experience with global warming? Is there a lot of 'denial' about climate change, amongst the general population and also within government?

Thank you, and to Oxfam for their wonderful work.

I hope that the future will be better for you all.

Good luck. Liz Palmer, Brighton UK.

Liz Palmer | July 27, 2009 10:57 PM

do mango trees stabilise river banks?does tree planting in general improve stability plus providing food?
where is all the water coming from? could it be chanelled upstream in anyway?

carol smith | July 27, 2009 10:31 PM

I want you all to know that however far away you are from me and others, you are cared about, you are real to us, not just a story or a drama in our news... I am sending thoughts of love and well-being to you all, financial donations, as well as petitioning for climate change and making all the changes I can in my own life. I wish for you, all that you wish yourselves...now and always, love abounds...Stephanie

Stephanie Anne Chamberlain | July 27, 2009 10:11 PM

All the best for your trip, Ben - do pass on my prayers and my concern to the people of of Char Atra.

Mike

Mike Farley | July 27, 2009 10:09 PM

As a wooden boatbuilder I feel very keenly the plight you are in and the huge efforts you have to make to cope with all this water.
My heart goes out to you all.

I will be doing everything I can to put pressure on the leaders of the Copenhagen Summit to ACT and not fudge as they have in the past.

With my blessings and sincere best wishes, Julian

Julian Burn | July 27, 2009 9:21 PM

Please know that you are not forgotten.

Lynne Frost | July 27, 2009 9:11 PM

Given that most people don't seem to realise what they are causing - I draw my examples from road traffic: people driving too fast, fast acceleration (only two examples); using the car instead of walking (esp. for (very) short distances) - when are people (and not just the greens) going to be told that they can't go on as they are?

Peter Heaney | July 27, 2009 6:57 PM

Is it not possible to build houses on stilts, I know this costs money, and what about water purification systems? Questions for the government I would think.

David Bargh | July 27, 2009 6:19 PM

Are there any technologies that could help improve quality of life?

Joshua Seal | July 27, 2009 5:59 PM

I know that with climate change, sea levels have slowly begun to rise. What is being done to prevent or lessen the damage caused to crops by increased levels of salinity? or is there an organised effort at a managed retreat?

Nick Harper | July 27, 2009 5:47 PM

You are still trying to convince everyone that climate change is man-made. Only around 27% of scientists who actually understand the climate support this view.
However, it suits large conglomerates around the world to try to panic us all into believing in the evils of climate change as there are millions of pounds at stake.
Debate on this issue is stifled everywhere, from the UN to the BBC so very few people actually know that all talk of climate change being related to the use of fosil fuels is pure speculation by a handful of scientist with a vested interest in maintaining the myth.
I wonder what vested interest OXFAM has in continuing to frighten people?
Global warming is a natural consequence of our emerging from the last Ice Age and is a separate issue to so-called climate change.
The idea that wind farms can overcome climate change is very dangerous and diverts resources that could better be used to produce a proper energy policy. OXFAM campaigns, in company with other organisations, only serve to frighten and confuse people who can't or won't do their own research on the subject.

Fred West.

Fred West | July 27, 2009 5:40 PM

I would like you all to know how often you are in my thoughts and how I really hope that the flooding doesn't strike too hard this year so that you are able to get on with your lives, worry free. I want to offer my support and prayers to you and to say that I will keep on doing whatever I can to make world leaders change the way we treat our world and to slow down climate change.

Charlotte Lawrence | July 27, 2009 5:36 PM

How do they keep their drinking water from becoming contaminated during the floods or is it already contaminated

Trefor Roberts | July 27, 2009 5:29 PM

Hi
I worked with women's groups in Bangladesh briefly in the 1990s, in a College about an hour's drive from Dhaka -and I remember the monsoons! More importantly I remember the village children who used to run up and, giggling, pinch me because I am tall and fair haired. Many of them will now be adults with children of their own. I just want to send a smile, say hello - and to give my support.

sheena matthews | July 27, 2009 5:28 PM

Firstly I would like to pass on my deepest sympathy's for Sufia for her loss and want her to know that my thoughts and prayers are with her.

Secondly I would like to ask those who have been most affected by the flood: if there is one thing they could change to help combat against the growing risk of flooding, what would it be and how can people help on a day-to-day basis?

Many thanks and keep up the fantastic work. I will try to do more myself.

Jonathan

Jonathan Hooley | July 27, 2009 5:27 PM

Your stories reminded me of a saying by Mother Teresa:
'We can do no great things, only small things with great love'
The things you do are filled with so much love.
I hope that right decisions will be made and the decision makers will be filled as much compassion as you clearly show.

Becca | July 27, 2009 5:22 PM

One is looking into mapping the Severe Cyclonic Storms and Sea Surface Temperature in order to work out why the storms hit the same area time and time again.

It is time that one looked into a preventative measure and by mapping this maybe will find a solution to this and , hopefully this will go someway to helping with this.

Rosa

Rosa Manson | July 27, 2009 5:22 PM

Sending you hope and love in during this difficult time... xxx

Samantha | July 27, 2009 5:16 PM