Dr. Farhina Ahmed, the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, recently urged the world to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution in a more united and well-funded way. At the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, she pointed out that many climate-vulnerable countries, like Bangladesh, struggle without enough resources and technology.
She explained that when funds aren’t available, governments often redirect money from essential services like health and education to manage disasters. This, she stressed, could threaten the future of entire generations.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized the need for the UNEA-7 to help gather resources through international agreements. She described the urgent environmental challenges in Bangladesh, including extreme weather events like cyclones, floods, and rising sea levels that displace millions and harm ecosystems. Despite contributing less than 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh is taking impressive steps to lead in climate action.
The country has set a goal to produce 25% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035—a significant increase from its current levels. Additionally, Bangladesh is working on its National Adaptation Plan, focusing on locally-driven solutions for vulnerable communities.
Addressing biodiversity loss is crucial as well. With a population of 180 million, the pressure on natural resources is immense. Bangladesh is rolling out its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan while also adhering to the Ramsar Strategic Plan and other policies aimed at protecting its environment.
On the pollution front, Dr. Ahmed highlighted Bangladesh’s role as the first country to ban thin plastic bags. She has advocated for strong policies to manage various types of waste, including medical and hazardous waste. The country is also working on rules for effective chemical waste management.
To better tackle pollution, she called for UNEA-7 to adopt a comprehensive approach to managing chemicals and plastics, ensuring safer alternatives and protecting informal workers. The conversation around climate action is growing, with many countries now recognizing the need for cooperative solutions.
Overall, Dr. Ahmed’s message is clear: without sustained global support, vulnerable countries may struggle to confront the climate crisis, affecting both present and future generations.
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