নিউইয়র্ক টাইমসের অনুষ্ঠানে প্রশ্নের উত্তরে যা বললেন ড. ইউনূস | Dr Yunus Interview | Jamuna TV

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion at the New York Times Climate Forward event, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus addresses the urgent need for a complete overhaul of global economic systems to tackle climate change. He argues that profit-driven economies are self-destructive, exacerbating environmental damage and wealth inequality. Yunus emphasizes the importance of creating a new civilization focused on zero emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment. He also discusses the political reforms in Bangladesh and the role of young people in shaping a sustainable and just future.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasizes the need for a revolutionary reset in Bangladesh, focusing on reforming various sectors to build a new economy and social structure.
• 🔥 He highlights that the current global economic system is self-destructive, driven by profit maximization, which leads to environmental degradation and inequality.
• 💼 Yunus argues that wealth is concentrated at the top, with the majority of people being left behind, and he stresses the need for a new economic framework that distributes wealth equitably.
• 💡 He proposes a redesigned civilization that promotes zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment as core goals.
• 🔄 The professor stresses that the current business model, which promotes waste through consumerism, is unsustainable and needs to be replaced with more responsible practices.
• 👚 Despite Bangladesh being a major garment exporter, Yunus highlights the paradox of being both a victim and a contributor to environmental challenges due to climate change.
• 🛠 He is critical of the Paris Agreement, arguing that it doesn’t address the fundamental issues within the economic system and that minor adjustments won’t prevent eventual global collapse.
• 👫 Yunus promotes 'social business,' where companies solve societal problems rather than maximizing profit, asserting that solving global challenges can bring more fulfillment than just making money.
• 🏠 On migration, he underscores that it’s a global issue, stressing the need for all nations to view the planet as a shared home and take collective responsibility for climate-induced displacement.
• ⚖️ Addressing political issues in Bangladesh, Yunus supports justice and reform of the country's institutions, ensuring that rule of law is upheld in the transition to a new government.

Q & A

What is Professor Muhammad Yunus's approach to addressing the climate crisis?

Professor Yunus emphasizes the need for a fundamental rethinking of the current civilization and economic system, advocating for the creation of a new civilization based on three zeros: zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment.

How does Professor Yunus view the current economic system's impact on the environment?

He sees the current economic system as self-destructive, driven by the principle of profit maximization, which leads to environmental degradation and wealth concentration without considering the long-term consequences.

What does Professor Yunus suggest as an alternative to the profit-maximizing economic model?

He proposes a social business model where the focus is on solving problems rather than making money for oneself, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable economic system.

How does Professor Yunus define a 'self-destructive civilization'?

A self-destructive civilization is one that continues to harm the environment due to its daily practices, leading to a situation where the planet may not be able to support human life in the long term.

What is the concept of the '3 Zeros' that Professor Yunus mentions?

The '3 Zeros' refer to a vision where a country can prosper with zero emissions, zero poverty, and zero net carbon emission.

What role does Professor Yunus see for young people in addressing climate change?

He believes young people have a crucial role to play due to their fresh perspectives and ability to think clearly about the issues. He encourages them to form '3 Zero Clubs' to promote the principles of zero emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment.

What does Professor Yunus think about the current state of climate negotiations and agreements?

He is skeptical about the effectiveness of current climate agreements, arguing that they do not address the root causes of environmental destruction and are based on a flawed economic framework.

How does Professor Yunus respond to the argument that developing countries should industrialize using fossil fuels like developed countries have?

He rejects this argument, stating that just because developed countries have destroyed the environment does not mean developing countries should follow the same path.

What is Professor Yunus's stance on wealth concentration in the world?

He criticizes the current state of wealth concentration, where a small fraction of the world's population owns the majority of the wealth, and calls it a shame that such inequality exists.

What is the 'social business' concept that Professor Yunus promotes?

Social business is a business model that aims to solve social and environmental problems rather than focusing solely on profit. It is based on the idea that businesses can be a force for good in society.

What is the timeframe Professor Yunus envisions for implementing reforms in Bangladesh?

He mentions a timeframe of approximately six months, which includes the time needed for commissions to produce reports on reforms and for the necessary changes to be implemented.