Adviser Salehuddin Critiques Global Climate Fund Efforts: More Talk Than Action

Finance expert Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed recently highlighted a pressing issue: while everyone talks about climate change, action often lags behind. He pointed out that Bangladesh needs around $30 billion to effectively tackle climate-related disasters, but it struggles to obtain even $1 to $1.5 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr. Salehuddin shared these insights at a training workshop titled “Navigating Climate Finance: Media Reporting.” This workshop aimed to equip journalists with the skills to communicate the impacts of climate change better. It was co-hosted by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) in Dhaka.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration among five key groups: scientists, policymakers, institutions, financiers, and the public. “In emergencies, it’s often everyday people who take the first steps before help arrives,” he noted. Bangladesh has shown remarkable leadership in disaster response, yet more awareness is essential to accelerate action.

ERD Secretary Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky stressed the need to shine a light on Bangladesh’s climate-related challenges to gain access to global funding. He mentioned that sharing stories about the country’s vulnerabilities is crucial for mobilizing resources. “We need journalists to tell our narratives effectively on international platforms,” he said.

Shafiqul Alam, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, pointed to pressing issues like dengue outbreaks and rising floods in Sylhet as examples of climate impacts. He stressed that without adequately communicating these challenges, it will be hard to make a strong case for financial support.

The workshop gathered 60 journalists from various media outlets, aiming to enhance their climate reporting skills. By informing the public and decision-makers about climate realities, these journalists can play a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis.

Recent statistics show that extreme weather events have increased by 30% over the past decade, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. According to a report from the United Nations, developing nations like Bangladesh will need $140 billion annually by 2025 to confront climate change effectively.

In a world where climate action is often discussed but rarely acted upon, it’s crucial for media to transform stories of struggle and resilience into calls for action. Only then can countries like Bangladesh secure the funding they urgently need.



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