As climate change continues to leave increasingly severe repercussions on the world as a whole, more and more drastic measures are now imperative in order to combat its effects.
While it is true that a number of influential actors have been working tirelessly towards climate justice, the most climate-vulnerable countries -- such as ours -- remain neglected in this regard.
A clear example of this is the lack of funding we have received to suitably equip our nation against climate change. According to experts, Bangladesh is yet to receive appropriate funds from the UN Green Climate Fund (GCF), an initiative known to have contributed billions on climate action.
Considering our nation's contribution to the global carbon emissions -- a mere 0.47% -- it certainly seems unfair that despite being so heavily impacted by climate change, we are unable to take necessary steps for adaptation due to a lack of access to funds.
Bangladesh has made laudable efforts to tackle the climate crisis at local and national levels; however, it goes without saying that as the major actors responsible for this particular global crisis, it is the developing nations that need to take accountability and assist the more vulnerable nations to weather the storm.
Developing countries cannot continue to pay for the devastation that the rich and powerful nations continue to cause.
With this year's COP right around the corner, it is not only imperative that our representatives reiterate our absolute urgency to receive financial assistance, but also that the developed nations take the matter seriously and not leave vulnerable nations with more empty promises.
There is a lot at stake here, and unless prompt and collective measures are taken, the damage to our planet will be impossible to undo.