Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) emission of Bangladesh is gradually increasing, with per capita emission peaking at 0.98 metric ton in 2012.
In 2005, per capita emission was 0.85 metric tons. The rising trend is a ramification of current economic growth, according to experts at the “Third National Communication of Bangladesh to the UNFCCC” report launching ceremony on Wednesday at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.
The launching ceremony organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), highlighted the process of creating the inventory of greenhouse gas sources and estimate through systematic data collection and proper analysis, described in the Third National Communication (TNC) report.
As a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Bangladesh prepared the “Third National Communication” with financial and technical assistance of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Experts said it is high time for Bangladesh to pay attention to climate change mitigation along with adaptation as the country is heading towards becoming a middle income country.
As the chief guest, Environment Minister Md Shahabuddin said: “Bangladesh has decided to reduce CO2 emissions from transport, power, and industrial sectors down to 5%. And with the help of other countries, we can cut it down to 15% by 2030. Compared to other countries, Bangladesh emits relatively little amount of the greenhouse gases due to anthropogenic factors. Although we do not have any international obligation for climate change mitigation as per ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ principle under UNFCCC, we are taking measures to show solidarity with the international community.”
Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Climate Change specialist and chairman, PKSF, in his keynote said: “Although mitigation issue is not obligatory for us due to low pollution in comparison to developed countries, we can still reduce emissions by increasing energy efficiency in energy, transport and industries sector.”
Abdullah Al Mohsin Chowdhury, secretary of MoEFCC underlined the process and importance of the report.
He said: “As a part of the global obligation under UNFCCCC, the government of Bangladesh has prepared the TNC in accordance with the guidelines adopted by the Conferences of Parties (COP). The report provides an updated status of national circumstances along with greenhouse gas inventory for 2006-2012 of different sectors and measures to facilitate adequate adaptation and appropriate mitigation.”
Kyoko Yokosuka, deputy resident representative of UNDP Bangladesh, said: “The TNC has generated baseline data required for the assessment of greenhouse gas emission from five key sectors and mitigation options.
“Our capacity building support for climate resilient development and green growth to the government will continue.”
Earlier Bangladesh submitted its Initial National Communication (INC) to the UNFCCC in 2002 and Second National Communication (SNC) in 2012. The Third National Communication already submitted to the UNFCCC in 2018.
Participants from various ministries, departments, development organizations, civil society, universities, NGOs and media were present in the launching ceremony.
