Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Calls for ‘Three Zeroes’ Lifestyle to Combat Climate Crisis at COP 29
Last Updated on November 12, 2024 3:07 pm
By Masum Billah
Baku, Azerbaijan — On Tuesday, Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the Bangladesh government, addressed world leaders at the COP 29 climate conference in Baku, urging them to adopt a transformative vision for the future to avert climate catastrophe.
In a passionate speech, Prof. Yunus presented what he called a “new civilisation,” built around the concept of the “three zeroes”: zero waste, zero carbon emissions, and zero wealth concentration. According to Yunus, the planet is facing an existential crisis, largely driven by an economic system that promotes limitless consumption and profit maximization at the expense of environmental and social health.
“We need to mobilize intellectual, financial, and youth power to lay the foundation for a self-preserving, self-reinforcing civilisation,” Yunus stated, emphasizing that the destruction of the planet is being driven by human choices, particularly the values underpinning current economic models. He proposed a counter-culture rooted in sustainable living—one that minimizes consumption to essential needs, eliminates waste, and replaces fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.
Central to this vision, Prof. Yunus highlighted the role of social business, a non-dividend model focused on solving societal and environmental issues rather than maximizing individual profit. He stressed the importance of reimagining education, shifting from preparing students to be job-seekers to empowering them to become entrepreneurs who create solutions for climate and social challenges.
Yunus called on young people to embrace this “three zero” lifestyle, noting that they are already deeply committed to protecting the planet. He urged global leaders to support the transition to a new way of living, stating, “If we dream together, it will happen.”
His vision, he said, is not just a lofty ideal but an achievable path forward. With the right mindset and collective action, he believes humanity can create a sustainable, equitable world for future generations.