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Dhaka’s proposals at COP29 earn kudos 

Published : Tuesday, 19 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 395
Motaher Hossain
The ongoing COP29 Global Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, has sparked both hope and concern among stakeholders. On the hopeful side, the conference is expected to see an increase in funding for the `Loss and Damage Fund,' aimed at addressing climate risks and reaching a consensus on reducing the use of fossil fuels. Furthermore, it may pave the way for positive progress in implementing the Paris Agreement of 2014. On the other hand, concerns linger over the negative stance of recently elected U.S. President Donald Trump on reducing carbon emissions.

Amid this dual narrative, the speech of Bangladesh's interim government Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, at the conference and various side forums have drawn the attention of global leaders, climate activists, civil society, and the media. The role and position of Bangladesh have been a focal point for world leaders at this year's conference. For Bangladesh and its people, this event has marked a significant achievement.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, while addressing the opening session of the `World Leaders Climate Action Summit' at COP29 in Baku, emphasized the creation of a new culture for survival. He stated: "We must establish an alternative lifestyle and a counter-culture based on zero waste. This culture will limit the use of daily necessities, leaving no waste behind."` He further explained that this lifestyle would be rooted in zero carbon, relying entirely on renewable energy without fossil fuels.

Dr Yunus proposed a new economic model centered on `social business, which he described as a non-profit enterprise aimed at solving social and environmental problems. He stated that this model would address significant environmental and societal issues and would operate without profit-making motives. He also advocated for affordable healthcare and education to improve lives qualitatively and make it easier for young people to become entrepreneurs. He proposed replacing job-oriented education with entrepreneurship-focused learning.

Highlighting the urgency of adopting a new way of life for environmental protection, Dr. Yunus asserted that this lifestyle would not be imposed but chosen willingly, particularly by the youth. He envisioned a future where every individual would adhere to three zeros: `zero net carbon emissions', zero wealth concentration through social business, and `zero unemployment through entrepreneurship'. He remarked, "By adopting these principles, we can build a new civilization that aligns with the planet's safety.

Addressing the climate crisis, Dr. Yunus warned that humanity is on the brink of catastrophe, driven by destructive values. He emphasized the need for a new civilization that prioritizes self-preservation and utilizes intellectual, financial, and youth power to establish it. He criticized the current economic system that thrives on excessive consumption, creating endless waste. He urged the world to adopt a zero-waste approach and called for a reform in the methods of climate negotiation, as the current framework fails to meet the majority of global needs.  

During a high-level meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on November 13, Dr. Yunus, along with leaders from five other climate-vulnerable Least Developed Countries (Nepal, Malawi, Gambia, Liberia, and Bangladesh), emphasized the need for a new economic framework beneficial for the planet and humanity. Dr. Yunus also supported the upcoming `Summit for the Future, organized by the United Nations, as a platform to build an economic system suitable for future generations.

In a separate meeting, Dr. Yunus called for a South Asian Grid to harness hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan. He highlighted the untapped potential of 40,000 megawatts of hydropower in Nepal, which could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels in large countries like India and Bangladesh. He noted that Bangladesh, located just 40 miles from Nepal, could easily import hydropower, aiding in flood prevention and economic growth.  

Dr. Yunus also prioritized sustainable water management, emphasizing that water issues must be addressed to support the environment. He stated, "Water is our main environmental concern, and it must be managed in a way that supports nature."

The climate crisis is escalating, and humanity's survival depends on effective measures. Dr. Muhammad Yunus's proposals at COP29 serve as a blueprint for safeguarding the earth and securing a safe future for humanity. It is hoped that global leaders will take decisive action to implement these recommendations.

The writer is a journalist and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum


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