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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for at least 50pc of international climate finance to be allocated to adaptation programmes, urging the global community to provide grants rather than loans to climate-vulnerable countries.
“Climate-vulnerable countries need grants, not more loans,” he said, stressing the need for reliable financial support, access to modern technologies and stronger assistance for adaptation initiatives.
He made the call while addressing the high-level segment of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Thursday (November 12).
In his speech, Tarique outlined Bangladesh’s climate priorities, the government’s development plans and the need to reform the global climate finance system. He also proposed adopting a “Belém-Antalya Action Mechanism” at COP31 to ensure a just energy transition based on fair financing and trade.
At the outset, the prime minister thanked the Turkish government for hosting the conference and Australia for its leadership in the negotiation process.
He described Bangladesh as one of the countries on the frontline of climate change, despite contributing less than 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite these challenges, he said, Bangladesh was committed to building a $1 trillion climate-resilient and sustainable economy. Guided by the principle of “Bangladesh First”, the government believes economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand, he added.
Tarique said the government had set a target of meeting 20% of the country’s electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, in line with efforts to achieve net-zero emissions under the Paris Agreement.
He said initiatives were underway to generate 4,000 megawatts of solar power with the support of special tax incentives, while the government was also encouraging waste-to-energy projects.
Highlighting green industrialisation, he said Bangladesh had around 300 LEED-certified garment factories. The government was also promoting electric vehicles, environmentally friendly transport and products such as jute bags.
A national framework for carbon trading was also being developed, he added.
On environmental conservation, the prime minister said the government planned to plant 250 million trees over the next five years. It was also undertaking the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage master plans, alongside a programme to excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals.
These initiatives aim to improve water retention, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and replenish groundwater, he said. The government is also working to restore mangroves on reclaimed coastal land to protect local communities and strengthen climate resilience.
Criticising the limitations of the global climate finance system, Tarique said existing funding remained inadequate and failed to properly reflect the needs and priorities of developing countries.
Climate-related losses were placing a significant burden on Bangladesh’s economy, while rising debt repayments and limited fiscal resources were making the situation more difficult, he said.
Invoking the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, he outlined five priority actions:
Allocate at least 50% of international climate finance to adaptation, based on each country’s priorities, while continuing support for emissions reduction.
Introduce urgent debt-relief measures for climate-vulnerable countries, including climate-resilient debt clauses and debt-for-climate swaps.
Ensure fair access to environmentally friendly technologies and provide support for their transfer to developing countries.
Accelerate the shift to renewable energy through affordable financing, skills development and a just energy transition.
Adopt the proposed Belém-Antalya Action Mechanism at COP31, built on the principles of fair financing and fair trade.
The prime minister also stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of women and young people in climate action, creating decent green jobs and reducing global emissions to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit within reach.
Expressing hope for a successful COP31, he called for meaningful, balanced and ambitious outcomes, particularly for countries most vulnerable to climate change.
He urged world leaders to turn their commitments into concrete action, strengthen global solidarity and work together towards a sustainable future.