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PM calls for action on climate crisis, seeks predictable finance
Published : Thursday, 24 September, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Jahid Biplob (From UN HQ)
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday called for five urgent global actions to tackle climate change and ensure a just and equitable transition, including meeting the 1.5-degree Celsius target and ensuring predictable climate finance.
“Collective action based on “Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” is imperative…We call for 5 urgent actions,” he said.
Tarique made the call while addressing a high-level meeting on “Climate Action and the Just Transition” at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Outlining the five urgent actions, the Prime Minister first called for achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius global warming limit through global emission cuts, as set out in the Paris Agreement.
Second, Tarique called for predictable and accessible finance for adaptation in climate-vulnerable countries.
Third, he urged greater access to climate-smart technologies to enable a just and equitable climate transition.
Fourth, Tarique stressed the need for expanding renewable energy through accessible finance, capacity-building and technology transfer.
And fifth, he called for full implementation and regular replenishment of the Loss and Damage Fund.
“Bangladesh seeks partnerships that help us implement our plans. Let us act together to build a safer and more sustainable future for generations to come,” the Prime Minister added.
Tarique said Bangladesh contributes less than 0.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions but is among the most climate-vulnerable countries.
He said Bangladesh could lose 12 to 18 per cent of its coastal areas to sea-level rise by the end of this century, affecting the livelihoods of tens of millions of people.
“Climate change has caused loss and damage equivalent to 1 per cent of our GDP. Our food security is at serious risk,” Tarique said.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh had allocated nearly $3.19 billion in its budget for climate adaptation but warned that the country risked severe damage without international support.
He said Bangladesh plans to plant 250 million trees over five years and dig around 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals, alongside the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage Master Plan, to retain water, reduce flood risks, revive wetlands and recharge groundwater.
The government also aims to generate 20 percent of the country's electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, Tarique said.
Bangladesh is promoting green industries, including jute products, eco-friendly transport, waste-to-energy and circular economy initiatives, while developing a national carbon market, he said adding that, “But we cannot succeed in isolation.”
The high-level meeting was held at the Trusteeship Council Chamber of the UN Headquarters as part of the Prime Minister's engagements during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
-SA
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
