Bangladesh is stepping up its call for global climate support. Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo announced that the country will present a special agenda at COP31, focusing on the need for increased international cooperation and funding for vulnerable nations.
Mintoo spoke at a recent conference in Antalya, Türkiye, which centered on building resilient cities in the face of climate change. This two-day event brought together ministers, policymakers, and international partners to tackle urgent climate issues.
During the conference, Mintoo met with Türkiye’s Minister of Environment, Murat Kurum. Kurum invited Bangladesh to actively participate in COP31 and sought its views on the proposed “Hatay Declaration.” Mintoo expressed gratitude, noting the strong ties between Bangladesh and Türkiye, where many Bangladeshis reside.
Despite contributing just 0.35% of global carbon emissions, Bangladesh faces severe climate threats. Issues like deforestation, rapid urbanization, and rising sea levels endanger both the environment and livelihoods. Mintoo stressed that Bangladesh has not received sufficient international financial support to address these challenges.
Ahead of COP31, Bangladesh will appoint focal persons to highlight its climate vulnerabilities and needs. Mintoo emphasized that developed countries must take greater responsibility for climate financing.
In a panel discussion, he pointed out that low-income countries contribute less to overall greenhouse gas emissions yet suffer the most from climate impacts. He called for swift climate funding and technical cooperation, crucial for countries like Bangladesh.
In separate discussions with the Maldives, Mintoo supported a plan to plant five million trees there and invited Maldivian officials to visit Bangladesh to learn about its tree-planting initiatives.
Furthermore, Kosovo’s Environment Minister sought assistance for involvement in COP discussions, with Bangladesh promising to help. The conference concluded with the adoption of the Hatay Declaration, emphasizing sustainable urban development and international collaboration in climate risk mitigation.
Interestingly, recent studies show that developing countries will require nearly $2.5 trillion annually by 2030 to address climate change adequately. This statistic underscores the urgency of the financing crisis facing many nations, including Bangladesh. As the climate crisis escalates, collaboration and support from developed nations will be essential for vulnerable countries striving for resilience.
For more on global climate initiatives, you can check the World Bank’s sustainable urban development report.
