Bangladesh has strongly criticized major emitters from developed countries for their slow progress on climate action, stating that current policies fall short of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Speaking at a press conference during COP29 in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, called out the lack of urgency among high-emission countries. “We are in a decisive decade that will determine our planet’s future,” she declared.
Adaptation Needs and Financial Gaps
Highlighting Bangladesh’s pressing adaptation requirements, Rizwana referred to the Adaptation Fund Gap Report 2023, which estimates the nation needs $8.5 billion annually for adaptation, leaving a $5.5 billion shortfall. She expressed concern over delays in mobilizing climate finance, particularly the Loss and Damage Fund under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).
Rizwana proposed filling the gap with external grants, cautioning against the rising costs of inaction. She underscored the need for $1.3 trillion in climate finance commitments for adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage. Her proposal includes grant-based funding for adaptation and loss and damage, and concessional financing for mitigation efforts.
Calls for Accountability and Action
Bangladesh’s adviser stressed the importance of public financing as the primary source under NCQG, with the private sector playing a complementary role. She recommended that at least 20% of the funds be routed through UNFCCC mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, and called for clear definitions of climate finance to ensure transparency and accountability.
Rizwana expressed frustration over unresolved issues, including the review of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage and the stalled Mitigation Work Programme. She urged developed nations to lead mitigation efforts and honor their commitments under Article 6, instead of shifting the burden to developing countries.
She also called for stronger commitments informed by the Global Stocktake (GST) outcomes, urging for tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. “Bangladesh can transition to renewable energy with higher ambition, provided the necessary finance and technical support are available,” she said.
Key officials present included Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Farzana Mamtaz, Secretary of the Power Division; and Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Department of Environment.
Expert Voices and Civil Society Concerns
Environmental expert Manjurul Hannan Khan, Chief of Natural Conservation Management, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress at COP29. “Despite 10 days of negotiation, there has been little advancement on climate finance,” he lamented. He criticized developed nations for attempting to offer loans instead of grants, as well as prioritizing private sector credit over grants, which he argued violates the Paris Agreement. “These measures risk pushing poor countries further into poverty,” he added.
Protests for Renewable Energy Transition
Protesters at COP29 voiced frustration over government inaction and the continued reliance on fossil fuels. Demonstrators called for an accelerated transition to renewable energy sources and an end to fossil fuel expansion, urging global leaders to take bolder steps in combating climate change.
