PM delivers strong message at UN on climate crisis
Cut emissions and provide funding to climate affected countries
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman speaks at a high level meeting on climate action and a just transition in New York
Bangladesh has contributed little to climate change but faces some of the highest risks. Against this reality, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the international community to take urgent action. He said that to keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius, emissions must be reduced while ensuring accessible financing, technology transfer and full implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund for climate vulnerable countries.
He made the remarks in a speech at a high-level meeting on climate action and the just transition in New York on Wednesday, September 23. The United Nations confirms that the meeting was held on September 23 to strengthen international cooperation and keep the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach.
The prime minister said Bangladesh contributes less than 0.5 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet Bangladesh is one of the country’s most vulnerable to climate change.
He said that by the end of this century, 12 to 18 percent of Bangladesh’s coastal areas could be submerged due to rising sea levels. This could threaten the livelihoods of tens of millions of people. The damage caused by climate change is equivalent to around 1 percent of Bangladesh’s gross domestic product, or GDP. At the same time, the country’s food security is also facing serious risks.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s own investment in climate adaptation, Tarique Rahman said around $3.19 billion has been allocated for climate adaptation in this year’s budget. However, he said it would be difficult to address the risk of major climate related losses without international assistance.
Highlighting the government’s environmental and climate plans, he said Bangladesh plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years. At the same time, around 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals are being excavated to conserve water, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and replenish groundwater.
The prime minister also said work is progressing to implement the master plans for the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage.
On renewable energy, he said Bangladesh aims to meet 20 percent of its electricity demand from renewable energy by 2030. At the same time, green industries are being expanded through jute-based products, environmentally friendly transportation, waste to energy production and circular economy initiatives. Work is also underway to establish a national carbon market.
However, stressing the need for international cooperation to implement these initiatives, the prime minister said Bangladesh cannot achieve these goals alone. Collective action based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities is now essential.
At the meeting, the prime minister of Bangladesh called for five urgent measures to address climate change.
First, global greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to maintain the 1.5-degree Celsius limit on global warming set by the Paris Agreement.
Second, predictable and accessible financing for adaptation must be ensured for climate vulnerable countries.
Third, a fair and equitable climate transition must be implemented by ensuring greater access to climate smart technologies.
Fourth, the use of renewable energy must be expanded through accessible financing, capacity building and technology transfer.
Fifth, full implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund must be ensured along with regular replenishment of its financing.
At the end of his speech, the prime minister said Bangladesh expects partnerships that will help implement the country’s plans. He called on everyone to work together to build a safer and more sustainable future for future generations.
