Despite limited resources, different ministries and departments of the Government of Bangladesh are formulating and implementing various plans to deal with and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Speakers expressed this view at a discussion titled “COP-28: Bangladesh Perspective: Expectations and Challenges” held on Wednesday at Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon.
PKSF Chairman Dr M Khairul Hossain presided over the event, where BRAC University’s Emeritus Professor Dr Ainun Nishat was the distinguished speaker.
PKSF Managing Director Dr Nomita Halder, ndc, gave the welcome remarks. PKSF Deputy Managing Director Dr Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed presented Bangladesh’s experience at COP-28 held in the UAE in November last year.
“Instead of waiting for assistance from international communities, the GoB has formulated the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, the National Adaptation Plan, and the National Adaptation Programme of Action to deal with the growing effects of climate change. The implementation of these plans is currently underway as well,” said Khairul.
In recognition of such courageous and effective initiatives, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was awarded the 'Asia Climate Mobility Champion Leader Award' at the COP-28 conference, which is undoubtedly a matter of pride for Bangladesh, said Khairul.
Although Bangladesh is not responsible for the global warming, the country is incurring losses equal to $ 4.5–5 billion every year, he added.
The PKSF is implementing various activities to increase the coping capability of those living in climate-vulnerable regions, particularly the poor.
The foundation has established an “Environment and Climate Change Unit” to effectively implement these activities, he also said.
A “Knowledge Hub," with extensive data and other documents on climate change, was launched at this event. The Hub is accessible to all through the PKSF website.
Ainun Nishat emphasised the importance of conducting environmental surveys before undertaking any infrastructure development project.
He said now that Bangladesh has graduated from the list of least developed countries (LDCs), the country needs to start finding new allies in international climate discussions.
Biodiversity and agricultural production are in serious threat due to the changes in the course and timing of monsoons in recent years.
Emphasising the need for adaptation, mitigation, financing, and capacity building to address climate change impacts, he said that as a source of renewable energy in Bangladesh, wind power generation opportunities can be explored by installing wind turbines in coastal areas.