To fight against climate change, UN funds should be double – Environmental adviser, Bangladesh

Prominent environmentalist Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser of Bangladesh’s current Interim Government of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, (Bangladesh), said that Bangladesh and UK will strengthen cooperation in climate change and environmental protection.

She also emphasized on working jointly on rainwater harvesting and salinity removal initiatives. He urged to ensure that these benefits reach the people.

On August 21, 2024, British High Commissioner Sarah Cook met with Syeda Rizwana Hasan at the Bangladesh Secretariat. At this time, various issues of climate change were discussed. Environment Ministry’s Secretary Farhina Ahmed was present in the meeting.

At the meeting, Rizwana Hasan called for doubling the UN’s $100 billion in green climate finance to meet growing needs. She also stressed on working to ensure a beautiful world for future generations.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan said climate change is a global crisis that needs urgent attention. She emphasized the importance of involving young people and urged the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) to improve its effectiveness.

She also mentioned various obstacles in Bangladesh due to climate change, such as water salinity, Rohingya crisis and climate migration.

At this time, British High Commissioner Sarah Cook reiterated the UK’s commitment to support Bangladesh’s environmental initiatives. She also emphasized the importance of joint action to reach global climate goals.

Highlighting the UK’s ongoing efforts to conserve the Sundarbans and Hakaluki Haor, she expressed hope that the UK and Bangladesh would work closely together at the next COP conference.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in combating climate change, environmental protection and sustainable forest management. They discussed capacity building, technology transfer and policy development.