World must compensate countries most affected by climate destruction, demand NGOs

 
Bangladesh remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, speakers said at a workshop in Dhaka marking World Environment Day.

The remarks came at a "Rooftop Gardening Promotion and Heat Stroke Awareness Workshop" held on Friday at the training centre of Nari Unnayan Shakti in Banasree. The event was jointly organised by Young Women for Development Rights and Climate (YWDRC) and Nari Unnayan Shakti, with support from several rights and development organisations.

Speakers said Bangladesh is already experiencing severe climate impacts, including rising temperatures, floods, cyclones, river erosion and salinity intrusion, which are displacing communities and threatening livelihoods.

They stressed that developing countries like Bangladesh are paying the price for decades of fossil fuel use and high emissions by industrialised nations, and called for increased climate compensation and adaptation financing.

Citing international climate frameworks, they said commitments under the UNFCCC and COP processes recognise the responsibility of developed countries to support vulnerable nations. They also urged the full operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund agreed at COP27.

Speakers further highlighted the need for stronger global support through mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund, UNEP and other climate financing channels to address adaptation needs, including climate-resilient agriculture, safe drinking water, coastal protection and renewable energy.

The workshop also underscored the growing risks faced by climate-affected families, many of whom are forced to migrate due to river erosion and extreme weather events.

At the closing session, participants pledged to expand rooftop gardening, tree plantation and environmental protection initiatives across the country under the slogan promoting a greener future.