Bangladesh calls for climate justice and ambitious pre-2030 targets at COP29
Rizwana emphasised the urgency of collective global action to address the escalating climate crisis.
Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan 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 in the 2024 Annual High-Level Ministerial Round Table on Pre-2030 Ambition at COP29 held at Baku, Azerbaijan.
Representing one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, she emphasised the urgency of collective global action to address the escalating climate crisis, reads a press release.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Bangladesh faces harsh realities of climate change daily, she stated, highlighting the impacts of rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, erratic rainfall, and salinity intrusion.
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 tonnes and a conditional reduction of 61 million tonnes.
Achieving these goals will require $45 billion from domestic resources and $135 billion in international financing, she said.
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 operationalizing 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 renewed commitment to pre-2030 ambition—actions that safeguard lives and futures worldwide," she concluded.
