Unity among climate-affected nations more important than funding

Adviser Rizwana says in an interview at COP29

FE Team | Published: November 22, 2024 23:00:46

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN, Nov 22 (UNB): Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, has emphasised that unity among climate-affected nations, including Bangladesh, is more crucial than the amount of funding they receive.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the news agency at the COP29, the adviser highlighted the importance of collective strength in addressing climate challenges and warned that disunity could prove detrimental.
"Our negotiators' unity is crucial at the COP conference," said Rizwana. "If the focus shifts to who gets how much money, it weakens our solidarity. A lack of unity would harm us significantly."
When asked about the nature of unity, she explained, "The meetings held by representatives from various countries must continue as part of the process. If affected countries, including smaller nations like Bangladesh, remain united, it will be a major achievement of this COP."
Addressing questions about the funds expected for climate-affected nations, Rizwana said, "The amount of money we are supposed to get is unlikely to be received in full; that much is clear. However, the focus should be on the quality of funds rather than the quantity. Will the funds come as loans, through carbon credits, or as direct grants from the UN? If we can agree on the quality of funds, that would be a victory."
She added, "Your hope might differ from mine. For instance, you may think that receiving $1.3 billion will solve our problems. I believe focusing on the amount could fracture our unity, which would be a significant loss. Maintaining unity is where my hope lies. We must focus on the structure of the funding, ensuring it comes from public sources."
Adviser Rizwana said achieving quality funding would be a monumental win, particularly for vulnerable communities. Referring to flood-affected regions like Feni, Cumilla, Sherpur, and Sylhet in Bangladesh, she highlighted the $90 debt burden on each peron due to climate-related projects.
"It's not about how much money we receive. Even if a third of our land goes underwater, no amount of money will suffice. We must advocate for mitigation efforts, reducing carbon emissions by phasing out fossil fuels," she stressed.
Half of the funds, she said, should be directed towards increasing the adaptive capacities of flood-affected communities. She underscored the importance of sustaining the climate funding process, stating, "This process must continue-not once a year but possibly twice. Securing funds is secondary; the continuity of the process is vital."
Rizwana reiterated that Bangladesh and countries in similar situation facing the threat of submersion must demand changes from fossil fuel-reliant nations. "We must clarify our position: it's not about seeking vast sums of money; it's about finding solutions to our problems."
She identified pollution from power plants as a major environmental concern and said this is the right time to invest in renewable energy.
Rizwana discussed the disputes surrounding Article 6, calling carbon 'a weapon.' She warned that if developed nations retain emission reductions within their borders, it would severely harm vulnerable nations.
Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan share similar climate challenges, and Rizwana suggested prioritising collective action to reduce vulnerabilities.