Rizwana calls for urgent global action to address escalating climate crisis

Environment, Forests and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today urged the international community to uphold the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
 
"Delaying action until after 2030 is not an option. To keep the 1.5oC goal within reach, developed nations must rapidly scale up mitigation efforts and fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement," she said.
 
The Environment Advisor said this while addressing in the 2024 Annual High-Level Ministerial Round Table on Pre-2030 Ambition at COP29 held at Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, according to a message received here.
 
Representing one of the world's most climate-vulnerable nations, she emphasised the urgency of collective global action to address the escalating climate crisis.
 
Bangladesh faces harsh realities of climate change daily, she stated, highlighting the impacts of rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, erratic rainfall and salinity intrusion.
 
"This year alone, two catastrophic floods caused US$1.7 billion in damages-equivalent to 1.8 percent of the national budget. Over the past 18 months, the country has endured 15 climate-induced disasters, leaving 1.2 million people waterlogged. Despite contributing less than 0.4 percent to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Bangladesh bears a disproportionate share of the consequences," Rizwana said.
 
She reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to reducing GHG emissions by 22 percent by 2030, targeting an unconditional reduction of 27 million tonnes and a conditional reduction of 61 million tonnes.
 
Achieving these goals will require $45 billion from domestic resources and $135 billion in international financing, she added.
 
"Every fraction of a degree matters. Every day matters. Let us leave COP29 with not just words, but renewed commitment to pre-2030 ambition - actions that safeguard lives and futures worldwide," the adviser said.
 
Earlier, the environment adviser held a bilateral meeting with Nepali Minister for Forest and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri on the sidelines of the COP29.
 
During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on enhancing regional cooperation in climate resilience, particularly focusing on shared experiences in mitigating the impacts of climate change in South Asia.
 
Rizwana said Nepal is interested in providing more hydropower to Bangladesh.
 
Besides, she stressed working together with South Asian countries on loss and damage.
 
Afterwards, the adviser spoke as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Loss and Damage Assessment and Accessing International Climate Finance" at the Bangladesh Pavilion.