‘In climate talks, it is like a family – everyone has different needs’: Dr Atiq Rahman

In August, severe floods left 1.24 million families stranded in Feni. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin

Bangladesh's role at COP29 highlights its leadership within the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group, focusing on fair climate financing and customised solutions for vulnerable regions. Dr Atiq Rahman, a prominent environmental scientist and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), shed light on the intricate nature of climate negotiations, where benefits are distributed among groups rather than individual nations.

In an interview with The Business Standard, Dr Rahman pointed out that global challenges, such as wars and political changes, might influence climate efforts. However, he noted that discussions are becoming more detailed and inclusive, signalling progress in tackling the climate crisis. 

Dr Atiq Rahman is a prominent environmental scientist and policymaker who has contributed significantly to Bangladesh's climate adaptation and resilience strategies. His insights offer a nuanced understanding of international climate negotiations and their implications for vulnerable nations.

Dr Atiq Rahman. Sketch: TBS

Given the complexities of group negotiations, what priorities might an LDC like Bangladesh have at COP29? 

This is a place for negotiations. First, there are no individual countries here; there are groups. For example, we are part of the LDC group. Here, it's not just Bangladesh – it is the collective position of around 45 countries. 

Similarly, wealthy nations have their own group, while developing countries like India and Brazil form another. This makes it tricky to pinpoint what each country gains individually. Yet, national interests still play a role, and even within a single country, priorities can vary by region. 

The discussions are dynamic, covering both long-term and short-term goals. While participatory, the process is deeply complex.

With per capita debt rising, what strategies should Bangladesh and other LDCs adopt to ensure equitable access to climate finance?

Money doesn't come without conditions. As I mentioned, this isn't about individual countries—it's about groups. Deciding how benefits are divided among these groups is an ongoing process. First, the benefits are allocated to groups, then to sub-groups, and so on.

Every country here has its own interests, which is why the focus is on group-level negotiations. Take Bangladesh, for example—our coastal regions and hilly areas have completely different needs and priorities, highlighting how complex these discussions can be.

How might global crises, such as wars or political upheavals, influence climate finance and its implementation?

When we think of climate finance, we often expect cash payments – that industrialised countries will give a certain amount of money to poorer countries. But it's not that simple. 

There won't always be direct financial aid; instead, there will be benefits and procedures. For example, improving road infrastructure in poorer countries might be prioritised. 

Take our situation: in the past, many villages lacked proper roads for vehicles. Now, things have improved—better connectivity means you can drive to those villages, cross rivers using bridges or ferries, and more. It's a constantly evolving scenario. 

Do you think global changes are affecting the climate change campaign?

There's definitely some impact, but it's not that simple. The issue is much broader. Think of it like a family: the father does the shopping, but every family member has their own needs and preferences. In the same way, the global climate campaign is highly complex and requires inclusive discussions that consider everyone's needs.

You can't just create three generic solutions and expect to address all the problems. These talks focus on group-level strategies, but they're becoming so detailed that they're starting to address needs almost as specific as those of individual families.

Why is Bangladesh so vulnerable to climate change impacts?

Bangladesh is a small country with a large population. Its formation lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, nestled between three major rivers. We are a small country, but climatically very diverse. 

The Himalayas in the north and the Bay of Bengal in the south are very close, geographically speaking, between these two extremes, we are a small landmass with a large population. 

Do you think there is a climate connection to the recent floods in Feni?

Yes, I do. There has been excessive rain in Assam and Sylhet. 

You cannot ignore the impact of climate change. Each year, weather patterns shift, but there is definitely a climate change connection to these floods. 

It might not repeat in the same way every year, but there is an increased risk of heavy rainfall in these regions. It is a dynamic process, and the extent of change doesn't remain constant each year. Rainfall has a significant impact on this, and unfortunately, it's something beyond our control.