Despite contributing less than 0.4% to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Bangladesh bears a disproportionate share of the consequences
At the ongoing UN climate summit, Dhaka has stressed the need for climate justice and urging the global community to uphold the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in battling the worldwide adverse climate change impacts.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and Water Resources of Bangladesh, said, “Delaying action until after 2030 is not an option. To keep the 1.5°C goal within reach, developed nations must rapidly scale up mitigation efforts and fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement,” she stressed.
The adviser of the interim government of the South Asian nation was addressing in the 2024 Annual High-Level Ministerial Round Table on Pre-2030 Ambition at COP29 at Baku, Azerbaijan on Monday (November 18), says a press release.
Representing one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, she emphasised on the urgency of collective global action to address the escalating climate crisis.
Bangladesh faces harsh realities of climate change daily, she stated, highlighting the impacts of rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, erratic rainfall, and salinity intrusion.
This year alone, two catastrophic floods caused $1.7 billion in damage—equivalent to 1.8% of the national budget.
Over the past 18 months, the country has endured 15 climate-induced disasters, leaving 1.2 million people waterlogged. Despite contributing less than 0.4% to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Bangladesh bears a disproportionate share of the consequences.
Rizwana reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions by 22% by 2030, targeting an unconditional reduction of 27 million tons and a conditional reduction of 61 million tons.
Achieving these goals will require $45 billion from domestic resources and $135 billion in international financing, she stated.
At the event, the Bangladesh delegation presented three critical demands: Strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with a focus on reducing emissions through renewable energy transitions, lifestyle changes, and halting deforestation; avoiding reliance on market mechanisms for mitigation obligations, and dDelivering quality climate finance through public sources and operationalizing funds like the GCF, Adaptation Fund, and Loss and Damage Fund.
“Every fraction of a degree matters. Every day matters. Let us leave COP29 with not just words, but renewed commitment to pre-2030 ambition—actions that safeguard lives and futures worldwide,” she concluded.
Earlier in the day, the advisor sat in a bilateral meeting with Nepal’s Forest and Environment Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri where they exchanged views on enhancing regional cooperation in climate resilience, particularly focusing on shared experiences in mitigating the impacts of climate change in South Asia.
Rizwana said that Nepal is interested in providing more hydropower to Bangladesh. Besides, she stressed on working together with South Asian countries on loss and damage.
Meanwhile, Rizwana as the chief guest addressed a discussion titled “Loss and Damage Assessment and Accessing International Climate Finance” at the Bangladesh Pavilion, focusing on the need for robust global mechanisms to address loss and damage caused by climate-induced disasters, advocating for equitable access to climate funds.
The session highlighted the critical need for effective loss and damage assessment mechanisms. The discussion also explored avenues for accessing international climate finance to support vulnerable communities in adapting to climate impacts.
