PM seeks collective action to build sustainable future for next generations

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for collective global action to build a safer and more sustainable future for the next generation, urging the international community to take five urgent measures, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring predictable climate finance for climate-vulnerable countries.“Let us act together to build a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come,” the prime minister said while addressing a high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.Photo: PMOThe meeting was convened by UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the Trusteeship Council Chamber as part of the high-level week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).The meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation to address the impacts of climate change, ensure climate justice and accelerate a sustainable and just energy transition.In his address, Tarique Rahman outlined five urgent measures for global climate action: reducing greenhouse gas emissions to keep global warming within the 1.5-degree Celsius limit under the Paris Agreement; ensuring predictable and accessible adaptation finance for climate-vulnerable countries; expanding access to climate-smart technologies; scaling up renewable energy through financing and technology transfer; and fully implementing and regularly replenishing the Loss and Damage Fund.Photo: PMOHighlighting Bangladesh’s vulnerability despite its relatively small contribution to global emissions, the prime minister said the country accounts for less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions while remaining one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.“By the end of this century, 12 to 18 percent of our coastal areas could be submerged by sea-level rise, affecting the livelihoods of tens of millions,” he said.Tarique Rahman said climate change had already caused loss and damage equivalent to one percent of Bangladesh’s GDP, while the country’s food security was also facing serious risks.“Yet, without international support, we risk severe damage,” he said, referring to Bangladesh’s climate adaptation efforts.The prime minister said Bangladesh had allocated nearly US$3.19 billion in its current budget for climate adaptation and was undertaking various measures to strengthen the country’s resilience to climate impacts.“We plan to plant 250 million trees over five years,” he said, adding that Bangladesh was also excavating around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals while advancing the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage Master Plan.These initiatives are aimed at retaining water, reducing flood risks, reviving wetlands and recharging groundwater, he said.On Bangladesh’s transition to clean energy, Tarique Rahman said the country aims to generate 20 percent of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.“We are promoting green industries, including jute products, eco-friendly transport, waste-to-energy and circular economy initiatives, while developing a national carbon market,” he said.Calling for stronger international partnerships, the prime minister said Bangladesh could not achieve its climate goals in isolation.“Collective action based on ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities’ is imperative,” he said, adding, “Bangladesh seeks partnerships that help us implement our plans.”Reiterating his five-point proposal, Tarique Rahman called for global emissions reductions to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit within reach under the Paris Agreement. He also stressed the need for predictable and accessible adaptation finance for climate-vulnerable countries and greater access to climate-smart technologies to facilitate a just and equitable climate transition.The meeting was attended by heads of state and government, representatives of international organisations, multilateral development banks, businesses and civil society.