Bangladesh inherently stands on the frontlines of climate change, facing rising sea levels, devastating cyclones, and erratic weather patterns which threaten millions of lives every year. Yet, while the country has made strides in disaster preparedness and adaptation, the response remains reactive rather than pro-active.
The industrialized world, historically the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has a moral and practical obligation to assist climate-vulnerable nations like Bangladesh. The Paris Agreement and subsequent climate summits have repeatedly emphasized financial aid and technology transfer, yet delivery has been slow and insufficient. Climate financing is still woefully lacking, while Bangladesh still needs help through direct transfer of sustainable technology, and loss and damage compensation.
However, while international support is crucial, Bangladesh cannot afford to wait. Internal challenges are slowing progress. To that end, the recent expert suggestion of establishing nationwide environmental courts to boost our climate justice framework can pay a lot of dividends. Which makes sense as having environmental courts in all 64 districts can ensure proper adjudication of environmental laws and result in faster resolution of cases which pertain to the environment.
When it comes to our climate challenges, Bangladesh must adopt a dual strategy which seeks to hold the global North accountable while aggressively reforming domestic systems in a way that cuts down red tape for environmental cases and makes holding those accountable for their polluting ways much easier.
The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat -- it is already here eroding livelihoods and destabilizing our national prospects. Bangladesh must act with urgency, both in securing international justice and in fixing its own house.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
