Bangladesh economy is growing steadily, but there might be a threat that climate change can hinder the process and it needs to be taken very seriously, visiting Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy Dan Jørgensen has said.
The Danish minister came to Dhaka on Tuesday and launched a joint action plan for realising the sustainable and green framework engagement with Bangladesh.
The minister said: "I am very impressed about the development Bangladesh has gone through. There is no doubt that so many people have a better living due to social and economic improvement. I see a very good future for Bangladesh. But, it is clear that something is threatening to undermine this development is climate change.
Biggest challenge
Now probably the biggest challenge that Bangladesh is facing is climate change.
The minister said: "We think it is unfair for country like Bangladesh that has no fault what so ever, is being hit hard by climate change and that is unfair. This is why we would like to help."
He said: "One of the things that we can do is to help in water management as we have expertise in it. We can provide water to those who need it due to climate change. Energy transition is another area where we would like to work. We want to make the energy system more sustainable and efficient. It is good for both–the economy, climate change and the environment.
Fight against climate change
Climate change needs to be fought on two fronts–one in the global arena and another locally.
The Danish minister said: "The global community needs to do more to fight climate change because the temperature is increasing and that needs to be stopped. I hope not only Denmark but also international partners like to contribute in creating more to maintain resilience."
Both the governments have close connection and sometimes there are high level political visits, which is necessary, but it is not enough, he said.
He said: "We need to have concrete collaboration and that's why we like to be close with partners who are actually here all the time. We think it extremely important that we help here with local organisations. Probably it is best to have cooperation with local Bangladeshi organisations. We also have cooperation with UNDP, which has people on the ground."
