Not getting enough money according to climate damage: Environment Advisor, Bangladesh
Carbon emissions are not decreasing. Along with this, new countries are joining. But money is not coming according to the damage. That is why Bangladesh supports the inclusion of more new countries in climate finance.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, a prominent environmentalist and advisor in Bangladesh’s interim government overseeing the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, spoke at a dialogue titled
“Bangladesh-Australia: Climate Policy and Green Energy Transition.” The event was organized by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka on February 25.
The climate advisor said that the objectives of developed and developing countries are not the same. Some want to maintain a consumerist lifestyle, while others are working to eradicate poverty. In this regard, I call for transparent climate finance. We should be careful about funding risks and access barriers.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan said that the definition of climate finance needs to be clear. This is being interpreted in a way that includes various types of assistance, which is not correct.
The Environment and Climate Advisor said that countries that have emitted more carbon in the past have a bigger responsibility. However, some developing countries are also big polluters now. They should also contribute.
However, no position can be taken that will increase the risk to important climate funds. Again, it may be difficult for many countries to move away from fossil fuels.
At the event, Australia’s Climate Change Ambassador Christine Tilley said that Australia wants to increase cooperation to combat climate change. Bangladesh is leading the adaptation efforts. However, the country’s position in international negotiations should be stronger.
In terms of climate finance, it is important to emphasize structural changes rather than accepting individual projects. While it is important to maintain the UN framework, alternative paths should be considered.
Martin Hotman, Country Manager for Bhutan and Nepal at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Dr. Khandaker Golam Moazzem, Research Fellow at CPD, also attended the event.
