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Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on world leaders to work together to build a safer and more sustainable world for future generations. “Let us work together and build a safer and more sustainable future for future generations,” he said.
He called for affordable climate financing for climate-vulnerable countries, stronger efforts to keep global warming within 1.5°C, greater access to climate-smart technologies, expanded use of renewable energy, and full implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition” at the UN Headquarters in New York on Wednesday. The meeting was convened at the initiative of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh contributes less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
He warned that rising sea levels could submerge 12 to 18 percent of Bangladesh’s coastal areas by the end of this century, threatening the livelihoods of millions and putting the country’s food security at serious risk.
He said Bangladesh plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years and is undertaking projects to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals to conserve water, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and replenish groundwater.
The government has also set a target of meeting 20 percent of the country’s electricity demand from renewable energy by 2030. Other initiatives include promoting jute-based products, environmentally friendly transport, waste-to-energy projects, a circular economy and the establishment of a national carbon market.
The Prime Minister stressed that Bangladesh cannot achieve these goals alone and called for stronger international cooperation based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.”
He also urged the international community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maintain the 1.5°C global warming limit set under the Paris Agreement.
