Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources, has called for (ensuring) climate justice, urging the global community to uphold the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
"Delaying action until 2030 is not an option. To keep the 1.5°C goal within reach, the developed nations must rapidly scale up mitigation efforts as well as fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement," she stressed.
The environment adviser said these while speaking at the 2024 Annual High-Level Ministerial Round Table on Pre-2030 Ambition at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Representing one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, she emphasised the urgency of collective global actions 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 US$1.7 billion in damages - equivalent to 1.8 per cent 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 per cent to the global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Bangladesh bears a disproportionate share of the consequences.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to reducing GHG emissions by 22 per cent by 2030, targeting an unconditional reduction of 27 million tonnes and a conditional reduction of 61 million tonnes. Achieving these goals will require $45 billion from domestic resources and $135 billion in international financing.
Bangladesh 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 delivering quality climate finance through public sources and operationalising 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, the environment adviser had a bilateral meeting with the forest and environment minister of Nepal. Both the leaders 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 Hasan said Nepal is interested in providing more hydropower to Bangladesh. Besides, she stressed on working together with the South Asian countries on loss and damage.
After that the adviser spoke as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Loss and Damage Assessment and Accessing International Climate Finance' in the Bangladesh Pavilion. She emphasised the need for robust global mechanisms to address the 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 the vulnerable communities in adapting to climate impacts.
azizjst@yahoo.com