Online Desk  :  Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources, called for climate justice, urging the global community to uphold the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). “Delaying action until after 2030 is not an option. To keep the 1.5°C goal within reach, developed nations must rapidly scale up mitigation efforts and fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement,” she said.

While addressing the 2024 Annual High-Level Ministerial Round Table on Pre-2030 Ambition at COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan, she represented one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations and emphasised the urgency of collective global action to address the escalating climate crisis. Bangladesh faces harsh realities of climate change daily, she highlighted the impacts of rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, erratic rainfall and salinity intrusion, said a press release here on Monday.

This year alone, two catastrophic floods caused $1.7 billion in damages—equivalent to 1.8% of the national budget. Over the past 18 months, the country has endured 15 climate-induced disasters, leaving 1.2 million people waterlogged. Despite contributing less than 0.4% to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Bangladesh bears a disproportionate share of the consequences. Rizwana reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions by 22% by 2030, targeting an unconditional reduction of 27 million tons and a conditional reduction of 61 million tons.

Achieving these goals will require $45 billion from domestic resources and $135 billion in international financing. Bangladesh presented three critical demands: Strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with a focus on reducing emissions through renewable energy transitions, lifestyle changes, and halting deforestation. Avoiding reliance on market mechanisms for mitigation obligations. Delivering quality climate finance through public sources and operationalising funds like the GCF, Adaptation Fund, and Loss and Damage Fund.

“Every fraction of a degree matters. Every day matters. Let us leave COP29 with not just words, but a renewed commitment to pre-2030 ambition—actions that safeguard lives and futures worldwide,” she concluded. Earlier, the advisor had a bilateral meeting with the Forest and Environment Minister as a guest. Both leaders exchanged views on enhancing regional cooperation in climate resilience, particularly focusing on shared experiences in mitigating the impacts of climate change in South Asia. During the meeting, she said Nepal is interested in providing more hydropower to Bangladesh.

Besides, she stressed working together with South Asian countries on loss and damage. After that, the advisor spoke as the chief guest at a discussion titled “Loss and Damage Assessment and Accessing International Climate Finance” at the Bangladesh Pavilion. Rizwana emphasised the need for robust global mechanisms to address loss and damage caused by climate-induced disasters, advocating for equitable access to climate funds. The session highlighted the critical need for effective loss and damage assessment mechanisms. The discussion also explored avenues for accessing international climate finance to support vulnerable communities in adapting to climate impacts.