Bangladesh Seeks Grant-Based Climate Finance

Bangladesh needs $116.18 billion by 2035 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change and address climate-related losses and damage. Of this amount, $90.23 billion is expected to come from international support. Against this backdrop, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has urged developed countries to provide their pledged climate finance through grants rather than loans that increase the debt burden of climate-vulnerable nations. She also called for coordinated efforts involving the government, private sector, civil society and young people to strengthen Bangladesh’s position at the upcoming United Nations climate conference, COP31.

Shama Obaed Islam made the remarks as the chief guest at a national dialogue titled “People-Centred Climate Policy: Bangladesh’s Position at COP31” at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital on Saturday (October 24). The event was organised jointly by 33 national and international organisations working on climate issues in Bangladesh, along with civil society representatives.

She said that, a decade after the Paris Climate Agreement, the focus must move beyond commitments to ensuring measurable progress in implementation. Bangladesh needs adequate financing to address climate-related losses and damage. Adaptation and mitigation must receive equal attention, while transparency in international negotiations must also improve.

She said initiatives had been taken to strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ministry responsible for environment and climate issues. She also expressed interest in involving young people working on climate issues in the process.

The state minister also outlined plans to showcase Bangladesh’s environmentally friendly jute products at COP31. She said an exclusive “Jute Pavilion” was being planned to promote these products internationally. The initiative could expand global markets for jute while creating opportunities to improve the livelihoods of the country’s farmers.

As a special guest, Department of Environment Director Mirza Shawkat Ali said various initiatives were underway to reduce emissions in the industrial sector. He stressed that reliable evidence and specific plans were needed to present Bangladesh’s demands effectively in international climate negotiations.

More Than $116 Billion Needed for Climate Action

According to information presented at the dialogue, Bangladesh’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution, known as NDC 3.0, sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20.31%, equivalent to 84.97 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, by 2035.

Implementing the plan from 2026 to 2035 will require $116.18 billion. Of this, $90.23 billion must be mobilised through international support.

The National Adaptation Plan has also identified a need for approximately $230 billion to implement 113 initiatives between 2023 and 2050.

Participants discussed several major issues, including climate finance, air pollution, waste management, industrial emissions, a just energy transition and marine resource management.

Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), emphasised waste management, air pollution control and industrial emission reductions. Representatives of ActionAid Bangladesh discussed a just energy transition, marine resource conservation and international climate finance.

Youth Present Six Demands on Climate Finance

Youth representatives presented six demands at the dialogue, calling for stronger access to climate finance and greater participation in education, employment, social protection and decision-making processes.

Discussions also emphasised ensuring that climate finance reaches affected communities, rehabilitating displaced people and securing the participation of women, persons with disabilities and marginalised groups.

In his welcome address, Dr SM Manjurul Hannan Khan, executive director of Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), said implementation progress under the Paris Agreement should be reviewed 10 years after its adoption. Bangladesh is working to implement its own NDC. However, he stressed the need for coordinated plans covering climate finance, the blue economy, waste management and urban heat risks.

In her closing remarks, Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, said Bangladesh was among the countries most severely affected by climate change. She called for collective efforts at international conferences to secure grant-based financial assistance instead of adding to the debt burden.

National Position Paper Outlines Six Key Recommendations

A national position paper prepared by civil society organisations outlined six major demands and recommendations ahead of COP31.

Debt-Free Climate Finance: International climate finance, including support for implementing NDC 3.0, should be provided through grants.

Unified Position: The government, civil society, young people and the private sector should participate in international negotiations in a coordinated manner.

Promotion of Eco-Friendly Products: Bangladesh should showcase domestic environmentally friendly products, including jute goods, at COP31.

Industrial Emissions and Air Pollution Control: Emissions from industries should be reduced while protecting workers and ensuring a just energy transition.

Participation of Youth and Marginalised Communities: Women, young people and climate-affected communities should have meaningful representation in climate policymaking and national delegations.

Addressing Urban Climate Challenges: Adequate financing should be secured for safe housing for climate migrants, improved waste management and measures to address heatwaves.

According to the organisers, the national position paper was developed through collaboration among 33 organisations representing civil society, international non-governmental organisations, research institutions and youth groups. The document emphasises strengthening Bangladesh’s demands in international climate negotiations and safeguarding the rights of people affected by climate change.
//DBTech/ZHI/MSI/SMP//