PM Seeks Technology Support on Climate Action

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for wider access to climate-smart technologies, technology transfer and greater investment in renewable energy to address the impacts of climate change. He said climate-vulnerable countries need fair access to both technology and finance to ensure a just and equitable climate transition.

On September 23, Wednesday, the Prime Minister made the call while addressing a high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition” in New York. The United Nations said the meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation to keep the 1.5°C target within reach, advance climate justice and accelerate practical solutions to protect people and livelihoods.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh contributes less than 0.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but remains one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

He said sea-level rise could submerge 12 to 18 percent of Bangladesh’s coastal areas by the end of the century. This could disrupt the livelihoods of millions of people and pose serious risks to food security. He also noted that climate-related losses and damages amount to nearly 1 percent of Bangladesh’s gross domestic product.

Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh has allocated around US$3.19 billion in the current budget for climate adaptation, but warned that the country remains exposed to major risks without international support.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s own initiatives, he said the country plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years. Work is also underway to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals to conserve water, reduce flood risks, restore wetlands and replenish groundwater. Implementation of the master plans for the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage is also progressing.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh aims to meet 20 percent of its electricity demand from renewable energy by 2030. The country is also promoting green industries through jute-based products, environmentally friendly transport, waste-to-energy initiatives and the circular economy. Work is underway to establish a national carbon market.

Emphasizing the need for international cooperation, he said Bangladesh cannot achieve these goals alone. Collective action based on the principle of “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” is required.

The prime minister outlined five urgent measures to address climate change. First, he stressed the need to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to maintain the 1.5-degree Celsius global warming limit set under the Paris Agreement.

Second, he emphasized the importance of ensuring predictable and accessible adaptation finance for climate-vulnerable countries. He then highlighted the need to ensure greater access to climate-smart technologies to support a just and equitable climate transition.

Tarique Rahman said renewable energy use must be expanded through accessible financing, capacity building and technology transfer. Such measures, he said, can support the development of more sustainable and technology-driven energy systems for addressing climate change.

As the fifth measure, he called for the full implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund and its regular replenishment.

The prime minister also sought support from international partners for implementing Bangladesh’s climate plans. He called for collective action to build a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come.
//DBTech/SPMO/MSI/CPI//