Leading global climate scientist Saleemul Huq passes away

Professor Dr. Saleemul Huq OBE, the leading global figure in climate change research and policy, passed away in the early hours of October 29, 2023 in Dhaka at the age of 71. He was widely recognized for his expertise in climate change, environment, and development, particularly in formulating adaptation strategies for the most vulnerable developing nations.

Dr. Huq was the Director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) and a Professor of Environmental Science and Management at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). Beyond these roles, he was an Associate of the International Institute on Environment and Development (IIED) in the UK. He was also chairing the Expert Advisory Group for the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and served as a Senior Adviser on Locally Led Adaptation at the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) in the Netherlands.

His contributions include his role as a lead author for the third, fourth, and fifth assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPCC panel, of which Dr. Huq was a part, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. His advisory roles extended to the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Moreover, his 2021 affiliation with the UN Food System Summit as co-chair of Action Track 5 focused on resilience-building against vulnerabilities, shocks, and stress.

With a career that spanned several decades, Dr. Huq has left a mark with hundreds of scientific and popular publications. In 2019, his contributions were acknowledged when he was named as one of the top twenty influencers on global climate change policy. Moreover, he stood out as a leading scientist from Bangladesh in the field of climate change.

His achievements were not limited to research and policy influence. He received the Burtoni Award in 2006 and the National Environment Award from the Bangladesh government in 2020. In 2022, he was conferred the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the UK government for his worldwide efforts to combat climate change. In 2023, Dr. Huq was appointed an Advisor to the Scientific Advisory Board for Independent Advice on Breakthroughs in Science and Technology by the United Nations (UN).

Born in 1952, Dr. Huq's early education traces back to Germany, Indonesia, and Kenya. He later pursued higher studies, obtaining his B.Sc, DIC, and PhD in Botany from the Imperial College at London University. Among his unique achievements, Prof. Huq holds the distinction of being the only Bangladeshi to attend all the UN Climate Change COPs, reinforcing his dedication to the field.

Nature, a leading international science journal, acknowledged his contributions in 2022 by naming him among the top ten scientists of that year. His other affiliations included an honorary degree from Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK, for his relentless fight against climate change.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Kashana Huq, son Mr. Saqib Huq, Assistant Director at ICCCAD, and daughter Ms. Sadaf Huq.

Mr. Abdul Hai Sarker, Chairman, Board of Trustees, IUB, said, "Prof. Dr. Saleemul Huq's demise marks the end of an era in the realm of climate change studies. As a guiding light, his insights and dedication enriched not just IUB, but the global community. The IUB Board of Trustees deeply mourns this irreplaceable loss. His influence extends beyond research, shaping policy, and impacting real-world change. As we remember him, we recognize the path he has charted for us as a beacon for future endeavors."

Vice Chancellor Tanweer Hasan, PhD, stated, "The world has lost a stalwart in Prof. Dr. Saleemul Huq, a cornerstone of global climate science and advocacy. For IUB, the void is profound and deeply felt. His relentless dedication and pivotal contributions not only made a mark on IUB but also shaped international dialogues. It has been a distinct privilege and honor to have Prof. Huq as a colleague at IUB. While we mourn, we also pledge to uphold and continue his legacy as part of our commitment to his indomitable spirit and vision."