Bangladesh incurs $5b loss for climate change

Zarif Mahmud : Although Bangladesh is not responsible for climate change, the country is facing losses equivalent to $4.5 billion to $5 billion every year. Despite the limited resources, various ministries and departments of the Bangladesh government are adopting and implementing various plans to combat and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Speakers gave this information in an exchange meeting at PKSF building in Agargaon.
Chairman of PKSF Dr. M. Chaired by Khairul Hossain, BRAC University Emeritus Professor Dr. Ainun Nishat, PKSF Managing Director Dr. Namita Halder NDC. PKSF Deputy Managing Director Dr. Fazle Rabbi Sadek Ahmad attended the program and spoke.
Dr. M. Khairul Hossain said that the Bangladesh government has formulated the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, National Adaptation Plan and National Adaptation Program of Action without looking at the outside world to deal with the growing effects of climate change and the implementation of these is underway.
In recognition of such bold and effective initiatives, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was awarded the ‘Asia Climate Mobility Champion Leader Award’ at the COP-28 conference, which is undoubtedly a matter of pride for Bangladesh. Dr. Ainun Nishat emphasized on conducting environmental survey before undertaking any infrastructural development project.
He urged Bangladesh to start preparations now to find new international partners in international climate negotiations after transition from LDC. He said that in recent years, biodiversity and food grain production have been threatened due to changes in the course and timing of monsoons.
Emphasizing on adaptation, mitigation, financing and capacity building to deal with climate change, he said that wind power production can be undertaken by installing wind turbines in coastal areas as a source of renewable energy in Bangladesh.
PKSF managing director said in the opening speech. Namita Halder NDC said that PKSF is conducting various activities to protect the poor and ultra-poor communities who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In recognition of the efficiency and transparency of these works, PKSF has already been recognized as an accredited entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Adaptation Fund under the United Nations. He expressed hope that PKSF will get financing in this sector in the future from the ‘Loss and Damage’ fund promised in COP-28.