The global climate crisis stands as the pivotal challenge of our time. Bangladesh made a stirring overture at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, for urgent and reasonable action to meet this mounting threat. Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan presented the reality of a nation bearing the unbalanced burden of a crisis it did not cause. Her message was clear—the time for words has passed; the world needs action.
As one of the most climate-prone countries, Bangladesh faces persistent challenges, with rising sea levels, inconsistent rainfall, intensified cyclones and salinity intrusion.
The human and economic toll is staggering. In 2024 only, two catastrophic floods inflicted $1.7 billion in damages, compared to 1.8 percent of the national budget, while 15 climate-induced disasters over the past 18 months left 1.2 million people waterlogged.
Bangladesh is among those hardest hit by climate change despite contributing less than 0.4 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. This glaring inconsistency highlights the urgency of climate justice and the necessity for the global community to act.
At the core of Bangladesh’s call is the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). This principle recognises that while all countries must contribute to climate action, developed countries—who have generally driven global emissions—must bear the greatest responsibility.
It is time to act decisively—for Bangladesh, for the
vulnerable and for the
bright future of
planet
Bangladesh has set ambitious climate targets, aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 22 percent by 2030, with an unconditional reduction of 27 million tonnes and a conditional reduction of 61 million tonnes. Meeting these goals will require $180 billion, with $135 billion expected from global financing. These figures emphasise the critical role of global support, in particular, from developed countries, in meeting climate objectives.
Yet, the global response remains not sufficient. Under the Paris Agreement, many developed countries have failed to meet their commitment and the much-promised $100 billion yearly climate financing remains unmet. Delaying considerable action until after 2030 is no longer an option.
As Rizwana Hasan noted, “Every fraction of a degree matters. Every day matters.” The 1.5°C target is slipping away and the consequences of failure will be catastrophic. COP29 symbolises a significant moment to spur action, but words only are not sufficient.
Developed nations must—scale up their emissions-reduction targets and execute them urgently. Meet and exceed the $100 billion annual climate financing pledge, with specific allocation for loss and damage. Provide technological and capacity-building support to countries such as Bangladesh to enhance their climate resilience.
The climate crisis is not a future problem—it is an existing reality. The world’s inaction has already cost lives, displaced many people and caused economic losses. The decisions made now will determine the trajectory of our planet’s future.
COP29 must mark an exit from empty promises and half-measures. It must deliver tangible outcomes—determined commitment, actionable policies and sustained economic support.
Bangladesh has sounded the alarm. The global community must listen, not out of aid, but out of justice. This is a common crisis and its resolution requires collaborative responsibility.
The clock is ticking. Determination of humanity is being tested and failure is not an option. It is time to act decisively—for Bangladesh, for the vulnerable and for the bright future of the planet.
