Bangladesh is focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation to mitigate the adverse impact of carbon emissions,  Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md. Shahab Uddin has said. Speaking at a briefing at COP26 press conference room at Glasgow on Monday, the minister reiterated that Bangladesh has been making the efforts despite being one of the least emitters in the world. Read: COP26: Time running out in Glasgow, as delegates wrangle over details He said in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) update submitted in August this year, “We have put forward enhanced emission reductions by 2030 amounting to around 90 million tons of CO2 equivalent in combination of conditional and unconditional commitments,” He, however, lamented that the global community still lacks a sense of urgency and a true commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement so that countries like Bangladesh can have a sustainable future. In this regard he said that commitment to limit the global warming to 1.5℃, NDC ambition, common timeframe for NDCs as well as decision on Long Term Finance (LTF) are not decided yet. “One crucial demand is definition of Climate Finance, which is yet to be agreed upon. There is no clear roadmap on $100 billion mobilization and new quantified goal. Urgent and adequate replenishment for Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund is also looked-for,” he said. Shahab Uddin mentioned that Bangladesh has recently scrapped 10 coal-based power plant projects worth USD10 billion. The country has also joined the global leaders’ declaration to end and reverse deforestation by 2030. Bangladesh, he said, has installed more than 6 million solar home systems in off-grid areas, and more than 4.5 million improved cooking stoves have been distributed in rural areas. Read: UNDP, BWJA seal deal to address, redress violence against women Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presented clear and concrete proposals from Bangladesh and as the President of Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) on November 1, the minister mentioned. Bangladesh looks forward a balanced and fair outcome at Glasgow by strengthening a “common global commitment” for leaving a healthier planet for our future generation, he said. Deputy Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Begum Habibun Nahar, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Secretary Mostafa Kamal, delegation members Dr Quazi Kholiquzzaman and Prof. Dr. Ainun Nishat were present at the briefing.

The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), led by Bangladesh, has appreciated the creation of a position of UN Special Rapporteur to play a dedicated role in protecting and promoting human rights in the context of climate crisis. The position was created at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva through a resolution at the 48th Session of the UN’s supreme body for human rights. Speaking for the Climate Vulnerable Forum Presidency, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen welcomed the adoption of resolution on the mandate of the new HRC special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change. He said this was a proud achievement for the people of the world’s most climate threatened nations, where many of them are being deprived of their rights to life and decent living due to climate change-related displacement. From the outset of Bangladesh’s presidency, pursing this mandate had been a top priority, said the Foreign Minister. Read: Hasina’s climate leadership lauded at CVF-COP26 dialogue In the CVF nations, 1.2 billion people are facing threats to the enjoyment of their fundamental human rights through climatic consequences, including sea-level rise, river erosion, salinity increase, floods and draughts that claim lives, livelihoods and displace people from their ancestral homes and traditional jobs. Dr Momen extended thanks to the Members of the Human Rights Council for supporting the long overdue and critical resolution to create this mandate. He also expressed his sincere thanks to the CVF Secretariat for their efficient support and useful advice to the CVF Presidency and all Member States of the CVF. CVF’s Thematic Ambassador for Vulnerability, Saima Wazed; the Speaker of the Maldives People’s Majlis, and former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed who is now the  CVF Thematic Ambassador for Ambition; and Tosi Mpanu Mpanu, Chair of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and CVF Thematic Ambassador for Renewable Energy also welcomed the decision taken by the UN Human Rights Council to establish the post of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and climate change. Read: Help achieve green recovery of CVF-V20 countries: Hasina to developed nations The new mandate responds to repeated calls, first initiated by the CVF in 2019, and from wide-ranging climate-vulnerable countries, small island developing countries, least developed countries, low-lying countries, and landlocked countries at the forefront of the climate-change crisis. A joint statement led by Bangladesh at the 46th HRC session in March 2021 calling for the creation of the special rapporteur was supported by 54 states. The resolution adopted on 8 October 2021 emphasises the need for a continued focus on addressing the adverse consequences of climate change for all, particularly in developing countries and for the people whose situation is most vulnerable to climate change. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday put forward six proposals to make the world more liveable by bringing down carbon emissions and tackle the people being displaced across the globe due to climate change. She placed her proposals while delivering the pre-recorded speech in the ‘Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate’, convened by US President Joe Biden. The Prime Minister, in her first proposal, asked the major carbon-emitting countries to take action to reduce their emissions to keep the global temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Celsius. In her second proposal, Hasina renewed her call for fulfilling the commitment of an annual 100-billion-dollar climate fund by the developed countries and distributing it 50:50 between adaptation and mitigation. The Prime Minister, in her third proposal, advised the developed countries to come forward with the most effective energy solutions along with technology transfer to the developing countries. Also read: Hasina places 4 suggestions to deal with climate challenge

Vulnerable economies on Thursday called upon the rich nations to avert global climate-Covid economic threat. The 48 most vulnerable economies demand “2020-2024 delivery plan” for the missing $100 billion annual Paris Agreement climate assistance. Led by Bangladesh as chair of the V20, the world’s most climate vulnerable economies met virtually as heads of state and government, ministers of finance and economy, together with leaders of the United Nations, partner economies and the global financial system to address the compound, destabilizing effect of climate disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic on low- and middle-income economies. The ‘Vulnerable Twenty’ (V20) Group of Finance Ministers released a Communique that called for leadership by industrialized nations and cooperation to urgently transform and align the global economic system with the goals of the Paris Climate treaty for a more robust, greener, and equitable recovery. The first ‘Climate Vulnerables Finance Summit’ was opened by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She said every country must pursue an ambitious target to curb Greenhouse gas emissions to keep global temperatures from rising to 1.5ºC. "This target has been approved through a global consensus, but we have not observed any visible action”, said the Prime Minister adding that “I urge all, particularly the G20 nations to show their actions.” She indicated that the tragedies faced by the most vulnerable will haunt the world economy if urgent action is not taken and the economic and financial support needs of the V20 are not met, stating that “Developed nations need to articulate a concrete delivery plan on how the shortfall of annual climate finance will be met between 2020 and 2024. They should facilitate the green recovery of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF)-V20 by providing monetary assistance, transferring technology, and building capacity.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday placed a five-point proposal, including the green recovery of climate vulnerable countries with support from the developed nations, as the climate change has brought them to a threshold. “Developed nations should facilitate the green recovery of the CVF-V20 countries. Dedicated support is required for reducing the cost of capital and encouraging private sector participation,” she said while placing her proposals in the first V20 Climate Vulnerable Finance Summit. Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), opened the Summit organised by Finance Ministers of the Vulnerable Twenty (V-20), joining it virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban. “Every country must pursue an ambitious target to curb Greenhouse gas emissions to keep the global temperature-rise below 1.5ºC,” she said.   “Fund flow must be predictable, balanced, innovative and incremental. Development partners and international financial institutions should adopt a user-friendly process of fund allocation and disbursement. There must be synergies among various climate funds,” she said in the third proposal. “Rich nations must help CVF-V20 countries by closing the existing financial gaps in protecting climate-induced disasters. Financial support is needed to introduce smart insurance premium subsidies and capitalization of insurance products for CVF countries,” said Hasina, placing the fourth proposal.   “Finally, every vulnerable country may actively consider adopting a 'climate prosperity plan' like our 'Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan.' I request the international community to provide all-out support to realize our plans,” she said, putting forward the fifth proposal. The Prime Minister said Earth is in a dire state. “We must be sensible in our actions. Let’s work together to build a strong climate resilience world.” Also read: Hasina suggests 6 points for framing post-Covid global recovery plan She urged the finance ministers, development partners, international financial institutions, and multilateral development banks to find innovative financing solutions for climate prosperity. Hasina said the disastrous impacts of climate change mainly caused by GreenHouse Gas emissions are loudly visible around the world. “We must reverse these for our survival and survival of our future generations,” she added.  

Bangladesh and the United Kingdom are planning to sign a "climate accord" before COP26 and expressed optimism for a successful outcome of the COP26 with a possible CVF-COP26 event at Glasgow.    The two countries agreed to work together to put nature at the heart of their climate action, building on the 2020 Leaders’ Pledge for Nature and realising shared commitments towards conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as those under the Global Ocean Alliance and the Commonwealth Blue Charter. As founding members of the Adaptation Action Coalition, Bangladesh and the UK renewed their commitment to work together with other Coalition members to accelerate adaptation on the ground with a particular emphasis on promoting locally led climate action, according to a joint statement issued on Thursday. The two countries will do more to avert, minimise, and address Loss and Damage, said the joint statement on climate action between the two countries. Bangladesh and the UK will work together to get the network operating, following the UK-led Climate and Development Ministerial and drawing on the expertise in the UK, Bangladesh and internationally. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma met on Wednesday during the visit of COP26 President-designate to Bangladesh on June 2-4. Also read: COP26: Alok Sharma pledges support for Bangladesh towards clean energy transition They jointly reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom in tackling climate change’s causes and adverse effects. They agreed to demonstrate sustained leadership to tackle the climate emergency bilaterally and globally. The two countries agreed to exchange expertise, share technology, facilitate partnerships, and identify practical solutions to common climate challenges.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday put forward four suggestions to global leaders to fight climate change challenges with a strong collective response. The Prime Minister made the suggestions in her prerecorded video statement screened in the opening session of the two-day ‘Leaders’ Summit on Climate’ hosted by US President Joe Biden. Joe Biden invited 40 world leaders, including Sheikh Hasina, to join the virtual Summit to galvanise efforts by major economies to tackle the climate crisis. Sheikh Hasina’s suggestions include announcing an immediate and ambitious action plan by developed countries to reduce their carbon emissions to keep the global temperature at 1.5 degrees Celsius with focus on mitigation measures; and ensuring the annual target of 100 billion US dollars which should be balanced 50:50 between adaptation and mitigation with a special attention to the vulnerable countries while pursuing losses and damages. The other two suggestions are: Major economies, international financial institutions and private sectors should come forward with plans for concessional climate financing as well as innovation; and focusing on green economy and carbon neutral technologies with a provision of technology transfer among nations. “The Covid-19 pandemic has reminded us that any global crisis can only be addressed through a strong collective response,” she said. Also read: FM: Bangladesh’s points to be on agenda of Biden's Climate Summit Hasina thanked US President Biden for convening the Summit and inviting her to speak at this gathering saying that Bangladesh deeply appreciates the United States’ return to the Paris Climate Agreement and its keen to engage with the international community. “Despite being a climate vulnerable country with resource constraints, Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader on adaptation and mitigation,” she said.

Climate change experts, policymakers and civil society members on Saturday urged the Prime Minister to speak for “A Global Regime on Climate Displacement” in the upcoming US president hosted Leaders’ Summit on Climate. They also requested the PM to take a position on 1.5 degree Celsius increase as the target to limit global warming. They made the plea while addressing a virtual seminar titled “Leaders’ Summit on Climate Change and Civil Society Expectations” jointly organized by COAST Foundation, CSRL (Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood), CLEAN-BD [Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network], BIPNet-CCBD [Bangladesh Indigenous People Network on Climate Change & Biodiversity] and CPRD [Centre for Participatory Research and Development]. Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, the Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change took part as the Chief Guest in the virtual seminar cChaired by Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of PKSF (Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation). Rezaul Karim Chowdhury from COAST Foundation moderated the seminar. Also read: UK lauds Hasina's leadership on climate front  Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, MP, of  Gaibandha-1, Dr. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director-BCAS, Dr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus BRAC University, Dr. Manjurul Hannan Khan former ‎Additional Secretary, Ministry of EF & CC, Sharif Jamil, General Secretary- BAPA, Md Shamsuddoha, Chief Executive-CPRD, Ziaul Hoque Mukta of CSRL,  Mrinal Kanti Tripura, BIPNet-CCBD, Hasan Mehedi of CLEAN-BD and  Kawser Rahman- BCJF have participated and spoke in the seminar. In a keynote presentation, Syed Aminul Hoque of COAST, a national NGO, working in coastal belt, said that US indeed have to show the best example on climate action especially reducing GHG [Green House Gases] emission, financing to the MVCs [Most Vulnerable Countries] adaptation & mitigation effort to take global leadership. He put some demands those are included that US [United State] will enhance their NDC up to 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching the “net zero” by 2050, declare own country share [03 billion] for US$ 100 billion in GCF and promise to facilitate the GCF 50% for adaptation and US self-declaration to relax and ensure IPR [Intellectual Property Rights] Flexibility for Technology transfer to MVCs adaptation & mitigation effort. In his address, Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said that as the CVF chair Bangladesh will address their climate vulnerabilities in upcoming Leaders’ Summit, apart we should claim finance & technologies for adaptation, removing GCF procrastination to channelize the fund for MVCs and oppose to include the L&D [Loss & Damage] issues in adaptation related negotiation process under Paris Agreement (PA). Also read: Hasina's leadership to ‘amplify calls for decisive action’ on climate front Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP,  said the Biden-called summit is an acid test for USA  to facilitate multilateralism in climate action. So that we should take position for 1.5 degree temperature cap for US and other big emitters and it should be under specific target of actions by 2030. Saber Chowdhur also gives importance to set the peak year period to achieve the target. Dr. Ainun Nishat opined that Bangladesh may not benefit from dealing with the market mechanism under PA. Rather give attention to finance and climate migration as the US has taken the migration issue seriously, he said. Dr. Atiq Rahaman criticized US to forget their last four years role and carbon emission and now trying to make window dressing in the name of summit. Ziaul Hoque Mukta demand Separate Regime for Climate displacement. Shamsuddoha and Kawser Ahemed also urged PM role to make CVF as negotiation group in PA implementation process. Also read: Bangladesh, US to work together to address challenges of climate change Member of Parliament Barrister Shamim Patwary concerned for extinction due to climatic impact. These issues need to uphold in the Leaders’ Summit. Fund should be placed through multilateral negotiation to ensure our protection. Hasan Mehedi demand urgent action to stop US investors in carbon emitting project investment as they emitting GHG 117 fold higher globally comparing their domestic emission. Manjurul Hannan opine the developed countries will implement their dirty projects by MVCs in the name emission trading that shouldn’t accepted. So that we should emphasis to enhance their NDCs.

The United Kingdom has commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) during the lead up to the UNFCCC COP26 scheduled for November 2021 in Glasgow. British State Minister for Foreign Affairs for South Asia, the Commonwealth and the UN Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon recalled the leadership of Hasina during a recent virtual meeting with State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam.   Lord Ahmad took interest in hearing about Bangladesh’s priorities for COP26, including in its capacity as the representative for the climate vulnerable countries. Also read: Bangladesh, US to work together to address challenges of climate change He underscored the importance of protecting the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, from the adverse impacts of climate change. State Minister Alam briefed his UK counterpart about the recent visit to Bangladesh by the US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate John Kerry. He invited Lord Ahmad to visit Bangladesh during the Mujib Year, also in connection with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and the UK. Also read: Hasina's leadership to ‘amplify calls for decisive action’ on climate front The two State Ministers discussed the latest international travel restrictions imposed in the wake of the renewed spike in corona virus infections, especially from the South African variant. State Minister Alam urged the UK to take Bangladesh off the red list at the earliest based on factual evidence. The two State Ministers exchanged views on the situation of the Rohingya in Bangladesh. They discussed the current impasse over their voluntary repatriation to Myanmar and their partial relocation to Bhashan Char. Also read: Make no mistake; take action: Kerry on dealing with climate crisis together Lord Ahmad assured his Bangladesh counterpart of the UK’s continued support on the question of the Rohingya’s safe and dignified return to Myanmar. The two Ministers also discussed preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) expected to be held physically in June 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda. At the outset, State Minister Alam expressed deep condolences at the demise of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and consort of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II.

John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, is scheduled to arrive here on Friday on a brief visit during which Bangladesh will convey its priority issues on the climate front. Kerry, now in India on a four-day visit, will hand 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 and 23 virtually. Kerry is looking forward to "meaningful discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and others during his stay in Dhaka on how to tackle the climate crisis. "In Dhaka, Special Presidential Envoy Kerry will meet representatives from the government of Bangladesh and key development and international partners," a State Department spokesperson told UNB. As the president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers, the spokesperson said, Bangladesh plays a leading role in combating climate change. Also read: Leaders Summit on Climate: Kerry due Apr 9 to invite PM Hasina Marcia Bernicat, US senior official for economic growth, energy and the environment, has said Bangladesh’s leadership in addressing climate change offers the United States – and the world – a great partner to tackle this climate crisis.  As president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Finance Ministers, she said, Bangladesh can make irreplaceable contributions towards a successful COP26.  As a climate vulnerable country, Bernicat said, Bangladesh will require significant climate adaptation and resilience, especially in view of its increasingly ambitious climate goals.  US companies are well placed to deliver many of the solutions Bangladesh will need to sustainably grow its economy, she said. “Yes, we’re happy that he’s coming. We worked with him before, too,” Foreign Minister Dr Momen told UNB. Also read: Climate-induced displacement a vital security issue for all: Kerry  US President Joe Biden has invited 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Hasina, to 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. “We’ll be happy to convey our priority issues. We’ll also share the steps that Bangladesh has taken so far,” Dr Momen said. He said Bangladesh believes that adaptation is not enough and there has to be mitigation and Bangladesh needs support as promised by others. “It should be Kerry’s special target.” Dr Momen said Bangladesh did not create the problem and those responsible countries should share responsibility of rehabilitating and protecting people from the river erosions. Also read: Kerry invites Bangladesh to join US climate conference  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.”  During his recent meeting with Presidential Envoy on Climate John Kerry, Dr Momen discussed the global issue of climate change, and the possible US-Bangladesh collaboration in this connection. The Foreign Minister recollected the vital contribution of Kerry towards the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and welcomed the decision of the US to return to the Paris Agreement. He described various actions taken by the government of Bangladesh under the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on mitigation, adaptation and resilience. Dr Momen also briefed John Kerry on all current and future activities of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) regional office in Dhaka. Also read: Climate Change: Kerry discusses possible Bangladesh-US collaboration  Kerry recognised the extraordinary challenges faced by Bangladesh due to climate change and frequent natural disasters. Agreeing that the international financial institutions could do more for the issue of climate change, he also opined that displacement due to climate change would be a vital security issue for everybody. They agreed to work closely in the COP26 and other multilateral platforms in order to fulfil commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement and even go beyond Paris. 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.