Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury on Monday said the United Nations (UN) will provide substantial funding to Bangladesh through its various agencies to combat climate change.
He emphasised the need for increased financial support, stating that the allocated Taka 35,000 crore from 24 ministries in the current fiscal year is insufficient.
Discussions were held with the UN delegation on sourcing additional funds for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts through various UN channels, he said.
Minister Chowdhury talked to reporters following a bilateral meeting with UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis at his residence in Paribagh in the capital.
Louise Barber, senior development coordination officer and strategic planner, was also present on the occasion.
Highlighting the focus on securing international financial support to address climate change impacts, Lewis reiterated the UN’s commitment to collaborate closely with Bangladesh on climate resilience strategies, including the implementation of national adaptation plans, advocacy, flood control and community-based adaptation measures.
She praised Bangladesh’s leadership in environmental conservation and pledged continued UN support for the country’s sustainable development goals.
The meeting also discussed collaborative efforts to tackle critical environmental challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution.
Lewis and Chowdhury explored avenues to strengthen partnerships between the UN and Bangladesh in environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.
Climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization.The effects are already visible and will be catastrophic unless we act now. Through education, innovation and adherence to our climate commitments, we can make the necessary changes to protect the planet. These changes also provide huge opportunities to modernize our infrastructure which will create new jobs and promote greater prosperity across the globe.
To limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre- industrial levels, emissions must already be decreasing and need to be cut by almost half by 2030, just seven years away. But, we are drastically off track from this target.
Urgent and transformative going beyond mere plans and promises are crucial. It requires raising ambition, covering entire economies and moving towards climate-resilient development, while outlining a clear path to achieve net-zero emissions. Immediate measures are necessary to avoid catastrophic consequences and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
