By Motaher Hossain

Oxygen is an essential element for all living beings on Earth, including humans. It can be said that oxygen keeps the human life process running. Without oxygen, both humans and other animals can die within a few moments. Every person around the world consumes oxygen, and the primary source of oxygen production is trees and forests. However, we continue to cut down trees indiscriminately, either knowingly or unknowingly. This trend of deforestation is visible not only in Bangladesh but also across the world.

Every year, a significant number of trees are felled for housing, infrastructure, roads, bridges, and other constructions, but new trees are not planted at the same rate. The shortage of trees has resulted in a decline in oxygen production. To compensate for this oxygen deficiency, people increasingly rely on artificial means like electric fans, air conditioners, or hand fans. Scientists are now warning that, due to the loss of trees, Earth may face a severe oxygen crisis in the future. Recently, a researcher from Toho University and a scientist from NASA revealed alarming news. They have stated, "Humanity does not have much time left; one day, oxygen will run out on Earth." The researchers believe that oxygen will last on Earth for only another 1 billion years. They have published their findings in the Nature journal.

There are several natural sources of oxygen on Earth, but with rapid industrialization and deforestation, the balance of nature is being disrupted. If this continues, there will be no oxygen left for humans and animals to breathe, and there will be no way to reverse this disaster. At that time, the heat of the Sun will burn human skin, and the land will crack uncontrollably. The increasing levels of carbon dioxide will force every individual to carry an oxygen cylinder on their back. As oxygen depletes, humanity will head toward destruction. Not only humans but all living creatures will face extinction.

With rising carbon dioxide levels, new types of bacteria will form, attempting to invade every living body. Even if organisms try to protect themselves, the excessive carbon dioxide will weaken their defense mechanisms. This means that even a minor bacterial infection could lead to death. In such a catastrophic situation, there will be no way for humans or animals to survive.

Meanwhile, scientists have recently discovered that La Niña is shifting its course rapidly. As a result, it has failed to extend the winter season, allowing warm air to dominate. Although La Niña attempted to return to its original pattern later, it was already too late. Experts now believe that the winter season will not last much longer.

This winter, temperatures were expected to remain cold until March or April. However, warm weather returned as early as January. Although there is still a slight chill in the air, the temperature is rising. The warm air from the Pacific Ocean is now spreading across the entire Asian continent, making this year's summer much more intense. La Niña is now on the verge of disappearing, paving the way for extreme heat. In the meantime, a western disturbance has formed in the ocean, bringing occasional storms and rain. However, meteorologists predict that cold weather will soon vanish entirely from countries like India.

Earth’s weather system is designed in such a way that cold winds from one direction are countered by warm winds from another. This time, La Niña failed to bring in the expected cold air, leading to an increase in warm air circulation. The chilling temperatures expected in January were overpowered by warm winds instead.

If La Niña had remained stable, winter would have lasted much longer. However, warm air has now pushed it back, making it nearly impossible for La Niña to restore a cold environment. Even if there are temporary cold spells, La Niña is likely to lose to the overpowering heat this time. An Asteroid Approaching Earth!

A massive asteroid is currently heading toward Earth. In the past, several asteroids have approached Earth but disintegrated before reaching us. However, NASA scientists have provided a different warning this time. They report that the approaching asteroid is increasing in size. As it gets closer to Earth, its size is expected to grow significantly. At present, there is a 1% chance of it colliding with Earth, but this probability could rise to 2-3%. If that happens, preventing a collision will become extremely difficult. According to NASA, the asteroid is currently 200 meters in diameter. If it continues to grow larger, its impact force will increase significantly.

If this asteroid collides with Earth, it could cause immense destruction—equivalent to 500 atomic bombs. Countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh would face the most severe consequences. NASA estimates that the asteroid is likely to crash into the Pacific Ocean, the Southern Ocean, or the Arabian Sea. If this prediction holds, nations such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Nigeria, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador could suffer catastrophic damage.

This asteroid was first observed in December 2024, but scientists are yet to determine when it will strike Earth. However, its rapid speed suggests it could reach us sooner than expected. Although past asteroids have changed their trajectory before impact, there is no guarantee this one will do the same. Given these looming threats, humans must take urgent action to reduce carbon emissions, conserve trees, and protect the environment. By doing so, we can mitigate these potential disasters and safeguard the planet’s future.

The writer is a, Journalist & General Secretary, Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists Forum