The planet is facing a climate crisis.
To protect Bangladesh and other climate-vulnerable nations, it is time for all nations to unite and take decisive action to limit global warming and mitigate its effects. As we prepare for COP28, it is crucial that we prioritize the phasing out of fossil fuels and establish a fund to compensate for climate-related losses.
We must acknowledge that if COP28 fails to be ambitious and take decisive action to address these priorities, the consequences for the planet and future generations will be catastrophic.
The science is transparent. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasized the need to reduce global CO2 emissions by 48% by 2030 in order to maintain the possibility of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. We need to act now. Further delay will only result in future climate catastrophes.
Climate change has already diminished food and water security, and extreme heat events are increasing mortality and disease rates. Especially in areas where it is already hot, heat will diminish labor capacity. During extreme heat waves, the labour productivity in certain regions of Europe has already decreased by up to 9%. In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced prolonged heat waves with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius.
In Bangladesh, extreme heat caused the deaths of over 700 people in 2019.
The global consequences of climate change and natural disasters are getting worse. With increased global warming, the costs of extreme events and sea level rise would increase. Overall, sea level rises of 0.47 meters or 1.12 meters are anticipated to cost Asia approximately $175 billion or $300bn. The World Bank estimates that climate change could cause Bangladesh's GDP to decrease by 2% annually by 2050 if no action is taken.
The economic effects of climate change will have a global reach, affecting supply chains, markets, finance, and international trade.
Thus, leadership is essential for addressing climate change-related challenges. To be COP President is an honor that few experience. It is to hold the planet's weight on your shoulders and stand for a cleaner, fairer, and more just planet.
We understand the United Arab Emirates' position as an oil and gas-rich nation, but we believe now is the time to act. Sultan Al Jaber has demonstrated in his career that he is a skilled negotiator; therefore, he should aim high and negotiate the best possible deal for the world.
COP28 must deliver for all. We need a fair and equitable phase-out of all fossil fuels to protect all nations, with the wealthier and more capable nations taking the lead. Al Jaber can reach this agreement at COP28. We require an immediate increase in clean energy investments.
Central to a COP28 agreement must be a commitment to peaking global carbon emissions by 2025, meaning no new coal plants. We also need an agreement to ensure the $40bn adaptation fund is fully funded by 2025, as agreed at COP26 in Glasgow, and to make the loss and damage fund operational.
In conclusion, we strongly urge you to take the necessary measures to protect our future and that of future generations. We hope that you will lead the world toward a cleaner, more equitable, and more just planet and that you will make the right decisions to ensure a sustainable future.
Sohanur Rahman is a Bangladeshi climate youth activist and Executive Coordinator, YouthNet for Climate Justice.
