Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Bangladesh’s Secretary for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, recently spoke at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. She called for global action to tackle three major issues: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Dr. Ahmed emphasized that countries vulnerable to climate change need substantial financial support. Without proper funding and technology, these nations struggle to combat environmental challenges. “Governments are forced to divert scarce funds from health, education, and social welfare towards disaster response,” she noted. This situation threatens future generations.
Bangladesh is on the front lines of climate change, experiencing extreme heat, floods, and rising sea levels. Despite contributing less than 0.5% of global emissions, the country is stepping up. They’ve set a goal to generate 25% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2035, significantly higher than their current production.
The country also plans to implement its National Adaptation Plan (NAP 2023) to help vulnerable regions adapt to climate impacts. In tackling biodiversity loss, Dr. Ahmed mentioned the pressure on natural resources in a country with 180 million people. Bangladesh is working on several plans and strategies to protect its environment, including the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2026–30) and the Ramsar Strategic Plan (2026–30).
When it comes to pollution, Bangladesh has made notable strides, being the first country to ban thin plastic bags. The government has introduced various regulations to manage waste effectively, including e-waste and medical waste. They are also addressing plastic waste through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) directives and have plans to restrict certain single-use plastics.
Experts agree that strong policy and public commitment are essential for environmental initiatives to succeed. Dr. Ahmed urged the UN assembly to adopt a holistic approach to chemicals and plastics, focusing on prevention and safer alternatives while ensuring the protection of informal workers.
In today’s context, the urgency for coordinated global action on these issues is clearer than ever. According to a recent report from the Global Environment Facility, nearly 60% of countries are not on track to meet their climate goals. This emphasizes the need for collaboration and stronger strategies to support countries like Bangladesh on the front lines of climate change.
In summary, as Bangladesh pushes forward with its ambitious plans, the call for international support and innovative solutions remains critical. The world must band together to address these environmental crises effectively. For further insight on climate commitments and environmental strategies, you can consult the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
