There is no denying certain facts: Bangladesh’s contribution to global emission, 0.47%, is insignificant while it is the seventh most climate-vulnerable nation. The threat of climate change-induced disaster is real for everyone on the planet, but it is more immediate and most devastating for countries like Bangladesh.
That point once again was rightfully reiterated by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) president and Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen who, importantly, specified six points that need to be implemented urgently, something the CVF countries have been raising in international forums repeatedly.
The strict implementation of the Paris Agreement is certainly non-negotiable and it is encouraging to see the CVF president making that point very strongly. Enabling appropriate adaptation measures and the need for clean, green, and advanced technology being transferred to them at affordable costs are also extremely vital areas that must see immediate action.
The CVF countries need to use all leverage they can muster to pressure the developed countries to act on these areas, none of which are new or outside of a wide scientific and policy consensus. But none of these can begin to happen if developed countries continue to fail to deliver on their commitment to mobilize $100 billion annually for climate finance.
However, it is also important to remember that the implementation of climate action locally is often hindered not because of complex dynamics of international politics, but as a result of good old fashioned corruption.
Bangladesh has taken remarkable measures on its own to protect itself and its citizens from the effects of climate change, but it, along with other CVF countries, must keep working toward putting necessary diplomatic pressure to attain the promised finance, as well as working on ensuring good governance at the country level.