Make no mistake; take action: Kerry on dealing with climate crisis together

John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, on Friday laid emphasis on taking action without taking any mistake to deal with the global climate crisis noting that the US administration is looking for greater collaboration with Bangladesh on the issue.   

"So, we know from the scientists - we must all take action," he said seeking joint efforts to protect the countries, citizens and the future generations as no single country can solve the climate crisis today.

Kerry made the remarks at a joint media briefing at State guesthouse Padma after his meeting with Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the same venue.

"We've the ability to work together now in order to bring technology, research, development and finance to the table to do what we know we must do," he said.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shahab Uddin, Saber Hossain Chowdhy, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Special Envoy for the Vulnerable Forum Presidency Abul Kalam Azad, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller were present. 

The visit underscored the US commitment to strengthen implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change designed to limit global warming.

As part of the Paris outcome, developed countries were urged to scale up their level of support with a concrete roadmap to achieve the goal of mobilising US$100 billion per year for climate action in developing countries.

"Whatever he (Kerry) takes as a mission he's always a success story. He'll achieve at least US$100 billion climate fund each year. That's what I requested him; and this could be another iconic landmark," Foreign Minister Dr Momen said, adding that 50 percent of the fund should be allocated for adaptation and 50 percent for mitigation.  

He briefed Kerry about various programmes undertaken by the government on the climate front, including plantation of over 10 million saplings and Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan.

They talked about riverbank erosions and how people are getting uprooted, and sought US' support for their rehabilitation.  

The two sides discussed Bangladesh-US climate collaboration in adaptation, mitigation, renewable energy, waste management, technology transfer and financing of climate change.

"We both agreed we'll collaborate in partnership for achieving our goal for a better future for the people and future generations," Dr Momen said.   

Kerry's discussion focused on cooperation to promote prosperity through climate policy, investment, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

He also participated in a climate finance roundtable with international partners hosted by US Ambassador Miller at his residence.

The US will work closely with the international community and private sector to mobilise investment to support mitigation and adaptation to stem the climate crisis and support prosperity.

"Kerry's visit underscores the importance the United States places on our partnership with Bangladesh, a vital leader in international efforts to address climate change," Ambassador Miller said.

Kerry arrived in Dhaka on Friday morning to convey President Joe Biden's commitment to move forward "aggressively" to deal with the global climate crisis and left Dhaka in the evening.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr Momen and his wife Selina Momen received Kerry upon his arrival at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Kerry handed over the US President's invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in person to attend the "Leaders Summit on Climate" to be held on April 22-23 virtually.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be recognised for Bangladesh's leadership of countries especially vulnerable to climate impacts during the "Leaders Summit on Climate".

As the president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers, the US said, Bangladesh plays a leading role in combating climate change.

US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Hasina, to join the "Leaders' Summit on Climate" that he will host. The virtual summit will be live-streamed for public viewing.

The "Leaders Summit on Climate" will underscore the urgency– and the economic benefits – of stronger climate action. It will be a key milestone on the road to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this November in Glasgow.

President Biden has emphasised the challenge of climate change, stating, "The United States and the world face a profound climate crisis and by placing climate change at the centre of our foreign policy, diplomacy, and national security." 

President Biden took action on his first day in office to return the US to the Paris Agreement.

Days later, on January 27, he announced that he would soon convene a leaders' summit to galvanise efforts by the major economies to tackle the climate crisis.

Kerry left Dhaka for Washington at 5.48pm on Friday. Foreign Minister Dr Momen saw him off at the airport.