What once were hundred-year extreme storms in Bangladesh could now strike the country once a decade or more due to climate change, a recent study from MIT shows.
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated places on Earth, with more than 170 million people living in an area about the size of New York state. Much of the country is made up by the huge, low-lying Ganges Delta, making it especially susceptible to flooding and extreme weather from climate change.
The study found that the “return period,” or the amount of time between these massive storms, is increasing dramatically due to climate change and that these massive storms will become more devastating, with some areas of Bangladesh potentially seeing the tide from these storms rise by more than a meter in height.
Sai Ravela, one of the study’s authors and principal research scientist for Earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences at MIT, told EcoWatch that this is a first-of-its-kind study for Bangladesh that models future climate scenarios.
The researchers used complex computer models capable of quickly simulating tens of thousands of simulations to model storm surges, tides, sea level rise and cyclones under different warming scenarios.
“The results are quite stark. No matter where you look, whichever scenario you look at. And by the by the end of the century, if you look at what a 100-year return period looks like in future climate versus present climate, you see an order of magnitude change. 100-year return periods have become 10 years,” Ravela said.
In addition to the low-lying nature of the country, Bangladesh has more than 100 polders, or low-lying land area, which were built about 60 years ago to combat coastal flooding and salinity (saltwater) intrusion into crops. But these polders might not be the best solution.
As climate change worsens, there is also an increasing overlap between the late monsoon season, which occurs between June and October, and the cyclone season. “This has never happened before,” Ravela said. “I mean, you never see cyclones in the monsoon season. Why would you?”
People wade through floodwaters in Feni, southeastern Bangladesh on Aug. 24, 2024. Sultan Mahmud Mukut / Drik / Getty Images
Because the monsoon season is worsening and lengthening, and the ocean continues to warm, the country will see these two seasons increasingly overlap.
The study also suggests that back-to-back cyclones are becoming increasingly likely.
“What’s happening is that outside the polder, where the channels and rivers are, there’s silt that’s getting deposited. So the river bed is rising, the land inside the polar is sinking. So when there’s a flooding event, there’s a huge amount of water that’s deposited,” Ravela said.
He explained that because certain pieces of infrastructure, like pumps and sluice gates, don’t have the proper capacity to operate under these storms, there’s an enormous amount of saltwater deposited, salinating the soils and threatening agriculture as a result.
“And in this comes a cyclone. And what the cyclone does is it generates an enormous amount of strong tide, and the tidal amplification takes that water much further inland because of the way the river bed is, and it deposits a whole bunch of saline water inside these polders… And the economy just upends completely. [You] go from agriculture to no agriculture after just one cyclone. It takes eight years for that salinity to leech.”
Ravela said that one of the uses for the research is to understand which policies would help the country adapt to these storms. The polders, for example, are about four to five meters, which he said is not enough to compare these storms.
“It’s a controversial point, but do you even need the polders? Are they doing any good? Why wouldn’t we just, for example, remove the poulders and let it flood?” Ravela said. “But along with that flood comes so much sediment that it makes it very appealing to grow for part of the year on it. So there are other sustainable strategies that are born out of nature-based solutions, natural wisdom… I mean it’s unbelievable how much technology we dump without really thinking through it.”
Because the salinity renders cropland unusable, like in southwest Bangladesh, many people turn to shrimp farming, Ravela said. “Everybody tries to be a shrimp farmer. But the problem with shrimp farming is it’s so capital intensive that people who own their land before doing farming — and you need large pieces of land to do shrimp farming — turn to shrimp farming, and they become indentured laborers in their own farms, because these farms are now owned by somebody outside putting in a lot of money, and then that loss of ownership is a part of their story.”
Solving creeping problems like salinization likely requires broader governmental action, like negotiating with India to allow for more freshwater to flow into Bangladesh, he said.
With so many people facing natural disasters and the loss of their land and livelihood, many are fleeing. But as one goes farther north and away from the coast, the threat of salinization diminishes, although the risk of intense storms is still present. In these middle areas, Ravela explained, people are implementing agrivoltaics, aquaculture or even going back to rice farming as the soil in certain areas, like the southwest, is leeching away salt.
Other ways Bangladesh can prepare for these storms, he said, are by embracing old ways of agriculture. “Eight months out of the year, you grow. Four months out of the year, you let it flood, and it brings a fertile soil and the water recedes, and you can live the rest. You put your house on stilts and you migrate seasonally. You can slow down the storm tide. For every kilometer, you can drop a meter. And there are other benefits from the perspective of biodiversity and conservation that also that brings in,” Ravela said.
“Insofar as extreme events are concerned [like] the episodic modification of the soil properties, I think we can have a handle on that in this vulnerable mid portion north of Gabura, but South of safe zones like Keshabpur and Jessore.”
The post 100-Year Storms Now Expected at Least Once a Decade in Bangladesh, Study Finds appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/bangladesh-extreme-weather-climate-change.html
This week’s quote is a Somali proverb: “Be a mountain or lean on one.”
Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click to get a larger image.
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Ballet flats have long been a staple in my wardrobe, but in the past few years have experienced a significant resurgence — and for good reason. The right pair can be practical, versatile, and oh so chic through days at work, with family, or out for the evening. But finding that “just right” set that’s well-crafted and sustainably made can be a whole other story. That’s why this sustainable flats guide exists.
Comfort, style, sustainability, and longevity are a lot to ask in a shoe, but I don’t believe it’s too much. It just takes some extra digging. And thankfully, I’ve done that digging for you. Because I get it! I want a flat that looks beautiful. I want a flat that’s made responsibly in line with my values. I want a shoe I can actually wear for my life. And I want that shoe to be worth the investment — it has to last. That’s why I vetted through dozens of brands to create this curated list of flats.
What Makes a Flat More Sustainable?
Material Sourcing
Footwear is a tricky category when it comes to sustainable fashion because we ask a lot of our shoes. We wear them in rain or sunshine, paved paths and cobblestone, day in and day out for years. And through it all, they have to remain beautiful. Because when they’re unwearable, there’s not much left to do with them: there is no viable footwear recycling today. Anywhere that calls it “shoe recycling” is really repurposing that footwear. But once it can no longer be worn, it’s simply trash.
In other words, our shoes need to be incredibly durable, even though the most durable materials don’t always come with the lightest footprint. In footwear, when we talk about durability, we usually rely on leather or high-performance synthetic materials. Leather can hold up with many years of wear, getting more beautiful with wear, and is easy to repair when needed. Synthetic materials are also durable, particularly for withstanding the elements like snow and rain.
But sourcing these materials conventionally is highly polluting — so how can we source these materials better?
For synthetics, we have recycled options. Today, that’s largely recycling from plastic bottles, which isn’t without it’s controversies, but there is much innovation happening in the industry around true textile-to-textile recycling.
For leather, I look for:
- Vegetable-tanned (rather than chromium tanned)
- Locally-sourced leather (more traceability), and/or
- Leather Working Group certified leather, which covers responsible management of water, energy, and waste; safe chemical management, traceability of the raw material, and occupational safety for workers.
Notably, there is no certification for animal welfare, so these are imperfect systems. But the alternative is footwear made from synthetic plastic materials or vegan leather alternatives that don’t yet meet the same durability standards as leather. Sustainability within today’s constraints requires trade-offs.
That said, there is always secondhand leather — by buying shoes secondhand you can access the quality of leather without adding further demand for the material.
Responsible Manufacturing
When considering responsible production practices, I look for first and foremost: transparency. Seeing what the brand shares about their material sourcing, their process, and who made their shoes where. And then I look at the details of that process: were the shoes made locally or within a geographic region? How are the workers paid and treated — and under which conditions do they work?
And, sometimes a brand employs an out-of-the-box approach to manufacturing entirely. There are a few slow fashion footwear brands challenging the traditional fashion system of ordering in mass quantities before demand is assessed —which inevitably leads to overproduction. These brands use an “on demand” model instead, producing their shoes only after they’ve been ordered. This reduces the risk of overproduction (i.e. producing more than what gets sold) while also encouraging more thoughtful consumption. You can’t impulse buy a pair of Mary Janes that you have to wait 8 weeks for.
Wearable and Beautiful
The most perfectly environmentally sustainable flat in the world is useless if no one wants to wear it. And as I mentioned earlier, footwear cannot be recycled into new footwear at the end of its life, so we want our shoes to last a really long time. That means they need to be design forward and comfortable, too.
My Top Picks for More Sustainable and Ethical Flats
Keeping all of that in mind, these more sustainable flats brands meet this criteria, albeit to various extents. Some err more on comfort while some more on style. Some have admirable levels of transparency and social impact, while other brands have more of a focus on their ecological impact. I’ve included descriptions alongside each brand as well as a summary of conscious qualities so you can find a brand that meets your priorities best. And, of course, a price range so you know what makes sense for your budget as well.
Some that this guide includes affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you shop through these links. As always, brands featured in shopping guides are brands that meet our strict sustainability criteria that we think you’ll love.
1. ALOHAS
Spanish brand ALOHAS flips the typical fashion production system on its head with its on-demand model.
Instead of overproducing thousands of shoes to later discount them, ALOHAS does the exact opposite. Its newest styles are available for pre-order at a discount of 30%, so the footwear brand can more accurately forecast demand. Then the shoes — like their flats — are primarily made by local artisans in Spain and Portugal. The brand regularly shows the behind the scenes of their production on their social media.
Conscious Qualities: On-Demand Production, Locally Made
Size Range: EU 35-42 (US 5-11)
Price Range: $195-$225
2. Rothy’s
If you’re looking for flats for all-day wear at work or running errands, Rothy’s is my recommendation with their cushy insoles. The brand makes their more sustainable flats from recycled plastic bottles, as well as materials like hemp and merino wool, but they still look sleek enough for the office.
While I might not wear Rothy’s flats to a fashion event (I prefer smooth leather for more elevated occasions), they are more than stylish enough to wear to most of my real-life scenarios. My favorite part about Rothy’s, though, is that they are machine washable.
Materials: Recycled & Natural Materials, Owns One Factory (undisclosed percentage of production)
Size Range: US 5-13
Price Range: $99-$165
3. Vivaia
Vivaia has the most adorable sustainable Mary Janes made from recycled plastic bottles. The adjustable straps and arch support make Vivaia’s Mary Janes suitable for all-day comfort, even if your feet are typically prone to slipping out of flats.
This vegan footwear brand also makes square-toe and pointed-toe flats for a more elevated look. And of the several recycled plastic bottle footwear brands on the market today, Vivaia tends to have the most elevated designs in my opinion.
Conscious Qualities: Vegan, Recycled Materials
Size Range: US 5-11
Price: $97 – $116
4. The RealReal
The RealReal is an authenticated luxury resale platform with contemporary, designer, and high-end luxury brands. Depending on your priorities you can find shoes in anywhere from pristine condition (but higher priced)) to “fair” or even “as is” for the largest discount from full price.
You don’t always have as many options aesthetically when shopping more sustainably, so I like to go to The RealReal when I’m looking for specific styles. I was recently looking for Mary Janes with feminine detailing and came across Larroude Flats on The RealReal, where I purchased a pair of neutral scalloped accent flats. (Pictured here!)
Conscious Qualities: Secondhand
Size Range: US 3.5-14
Price Range: $9+
5. ESSĒN
ESSĒN elegant, minimalist footwear is artisan handcrafted from Leather Working Group-certified leather in solar-powered facilities in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Each shoe also comes with a product passport where you can view the step-by-step journey that product took through the brand’s supply chain from raw material to manufacturing to packaging and distribution.
Beyond transparency and responsible manufacturing, ESSĒN’s slow fashion business model prevents overproduction by operating on a made to order basis. Meaning while sizes and styles are predefined, the shoes are only produced after they’ve been ordered.
Conscious Qualities: LWG Certified, Supply Chain Transparency, On Demand Production
Size Range: EU 35-44 (US 4-13)
Price Range: $295-$450
6. Allbirds
Another comfort-first footwear option besides Rothy’s is Allbirds. The brand creates lightweight, super smooth and breathable flats from tree fibers, aptly called “Tree Breezers”. The (washable) shoes are also soft enough to wear without socks.
The Allbirds Tree Breezers are far more comfortable than typical flats, though I find that the Rothy’s are slightly comfier.
Conscious Qualities: Natural materials (FSC-Certified eucalyptus, castor mean oil, sugarcane EVA)
Size Range: US 5-11
Price Range: $105-$125
7. Darzah
Fair trade certified by Fair Trade Federation, Darzah’s ethical flats are entirely hand-embroidered and handcrafted in Palestine from locally sourced leather.
The tatreez flats from this nonprofit are embroidered by refugee and low-income women artisans in the West Bank with this traditional Palestinian techniques.
Conscious Qualities: Sustains Heritage Crafts, Fair Trade Certified
Size Range: EU 36-41 (US 6-10)
Price Range: $199 – $209
8. Nisolo
If you’re seeking a quality pair of classic leather flats ideal for your capsule wardrobe, Nisolo is a strong pick. Nisolo’s flats are handcrafted by artisans using leather sourced from a Leather Working Group certified tannery.
I’ve been wearing my Nisolo shoes for many years and can attest to their quality and durability.
That said, the brand has recently turned over to new ownership and now has significantly less information about their sustainability and ethics in their supply chain. I will be keeping a close eye on this brand to see if it continues to uphold the values Nisolo has long held.
Conscious Qualities: LWG-Certified, Artisan Handcrafted
Size Range: US 5-11
Price: $138 – $198
For More Slow Fashion Content:
You May Also Want to Check Out:
The Best Affordable Ethical Fashion Brands
Responsibly Made Vegan Shoe Brands
15 Brands with Ethical Boots to Rock this Fall (and Beyond)
The post 8 Best Ethical & Sustainable Flats That Are Effortlessly Chic appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
https://www.consciouslifeandstyle.com/sustainable-ethical-flats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sustainable-ethical-flats
Today’s quote is from writer, businessman, and conservationist Simon M. Lamb. In his book, Junglenomics: Nature’s Solutions to the World Environment Crisis, he suggests that nature provides solutions to help us reform our environmentally destructive economic practices.
Lamb writes, “As in nature, so in economics — what provides survives.”
Earth911 inspirations. Post them, share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster to get a larger image.
Editor’s Note: This poster was originally published on March 27, 2020.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: What Provides Survives — Simon M. Lamb appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-what-provides-survives-simon-m-lamb/
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