Prime minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday placed five urgent demands before the international community to address the climate crisis, calling for deeper emissions cuts, predictable climate finance, greater access to climate-smart technologies, expanded renewable energy and full implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund.
Addressing a high-level meeting on Climate Action and Just Transition at the United Nations headquarters in New York, he said Bangladesh contributed less than 0.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remained one of the most climate-vulnerable countries.
Tarique called for measures to achieve the 1.5-degree Celsius global warming limit through global emissions cuts in line with the Paris Agreement.
He sought predictable and accessible finance for climate adaptation in climate-vulnerable countries, saying international support was essential for countries such as Bangladesh facing severe climate risks.
He also called for greater access to climate-smart technologies to ensure a just and equitable climate transition.
Tarique urged countries to expand renewable energy through accessible finance, capacity-building and technology transfer.
He also called for the full implementation and regular replenishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.
‘Collective action based on “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” is imperative,’ he said.
Tarique said Bangladesh faced serious consequences from climate change despite its limited contribution to global emissions.
By the end of the century, 12 to 18 per cent of Bangladesh’s coastal areas could be submerged by sea-level rise, affecting the livelihoods of tens of millions of people, he said.
Climate change has caused loss and damage equivalent to 1 per cent of the country’s GDP, while food security is also at serious risk, he said.
Tarique said Bangladesh had allocated nearly $3.19 billion in its budget for climate adaptation but warned that the country risked severe damage without international support.
He said Bangladesh planned to plant 250 million trees over the next five years and was excavating around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals to retain water, reduce flood risks, revive wetlands and recharge groundwater.
He also referred to the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage Master Plan as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen water management and climate resilience.
Bangladesh aims to generate 20 per cent of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, Tarique said.
He said the country was also promoting green industries, including jute products, eco-friendly transport, waste-to-energy and circular-economy initiatives, while developing a national carbon market.
‘But we cannot succeed in isolation,’ he said.
‘Bangladesh seeks partnerships that help us implement our plans. Let us act together to build a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come,’ Tarique said.
FP/A
