Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for collective global action to build a safer and more sustainable future for the next generation, urging the international community to take five urgent measures to address climate change.
“Let us act together to build a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come,” he said while addressing a high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The meeting was convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres during the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In his address, the Prime Minister outlined five priorities: reducing greenhouse gas emissions to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach, ensuring predictable and accessible adaptation finance for climate-vulnerable countries, expanding access to climate-smart technologies, increasing renewable energy through finance and technology transfer, and fully implementing and regularly replenishing the Loss and Damage Fund.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s vulnerability, Tarique Rahman said the country contributes less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains highly vulnerable to climate change.
He said 12 to 18 percent of Bangladesh’s coastal areas could be submerged by sea-level rise by the end of the century, potentially affecting the livelihoods of tens of millions of people.
The Prime Minister said climate change had already caused loss and damage equivalent to around one percent of Bangladesh’s GDP, while food security was also facing serious risks.
He said Bangladesh had allocated nearly US$3.19 billion in the current budget for climate adaptation and was taking various measures to strengthen resilience.
“We plan to plant 250 million trees over five years,” he said, adding that around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals were also being excavated alongside plans for the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage.
According to the Prime Minister, these initiatives aim to retain water, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and recharge groundwater.
On Bangladesh’s clean energy transition, Tarique Rahman said the country aims to generate 20 percent of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.
He said Bangladesh was promoting green industries, including jute products, eco-friendly transport, waste-to-energy and circular economy initiatives, while also developing a national carbon market.
The Prime Minister stressed that Bangladesh could not achieve its climate goals alone and called for stronger international partnerships based on the principle of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.”
He also stressed the need for greater access to climate-smart technologies and predictable financing to support a just and equitable transition in climate-vulnerable countries.
The meeting was attended by heads of state and government, representatives of international organisations, multilateral development banks, businesses and civil society.
