The adverse effects of global climate change are becoming increasingly clear and the impact is being felt in every region of the world today.
However, it is hitting low-lying countries like Bangladesh the hardest. Extreme heat waves, rising sea levels, cyclones, heavy rains, floods, river erosion, salinity and drought are now a daily reality. Scientists warn that the average temperature of the world is increasing rapidly and achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target of the Paris Agreement is currently in doubt. Bangladesh has contributed close to nothing to global carbon emissions, yet we have to pay the biggest price.
In such a context, the United Nations Climate Change Conference is very important for the world, especially for countries like Bangladesh. COP30 is being considered as such a turning point because the decisions taken here can bring big changes in global emission reduction, adaptation measures, and damage control.
This is the first time since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 that a major conference like COP is being held under the presidency of Brazil. One of the most important agendas of this year will be to create a transparent and binding roadmap for global emission reductions. Many countries have still failed to implement their commitments to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Despite being the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, developed countries have not yet adequately accelerated their emission reductions. Many countries have not yet been able to exit the fossil fuel-dependent economy. Therefore, COP30 will focus on setting deadlines for large economies and high-emitting countries, sector-specific emission reduction plans, regular evaluations, and creating a mandatory accountability framework. Mere promises are not enough -- ensuring implementation will be the main challenge.
Increasing the use of renewable energy is another major topic of discussion. Currently, the largest share of global energy is fossil fuel-dependent. However, renewable energy technology, knowledge, and financing are mainly under the control of developed countries.
Therefore, decisions such as just energy transition, technology transfer, supply of environmentally-friendly industrial equipment, development of skilled human resources, and ensuring low-interest investment are expected at COP30. It will never be possible to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement without reducing global emissions and providing equal opportunities to developing countries in sustainable energy systems.
There must also be the full implementation of the Loss and Damage Fund and the establishment of an effective structure. Although this fund was officially launched at COP28, many of its issues are still unclear. It is important to make effective decisions on how much money which country will pay, how much which country will receive, how it will receive it, how the damage will be verified, etc.
In the most affected countries in the world, countless people have already lost their homes, livelihoods, agricultural land, and sources of drinking water due to climate-related disasters. Therefore, making the Loss and Damage Fund fast, hassle-free, and effective for developing countries must be a priority.
In addition, increasing adaptation financing is another central issue. For countries that are at risk of climate change, it is very important to prepare for future disasters. Damage reduction is not possible without developing coastal protection, water conservation, salinity management, green infrastructure, disaster risk reduction systems, and climate-resilient agriculture. Therefore, allocating large amounts of money to the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund, receiving money on easy terms, and ensuring structural transparency will be a major topic of discussion.
In addition, carbon markets and technology transfer will also be of particular importance in the discussions. Many countries are getting the opportunity to benefit financially from carbon credit trading, but the lack of transparent policies and evaluations means there is a possibility of risks and irregularities.
Therefore, making decisions to make the carbon market accountable and friendly to developing countries is also important. At the same time, discussions are also likely to be held on the formulation of international policies on the rapidly increasing food crisis, water shortages, and climate refugees.
Bangladesh’s demands
Bangladesh has been bearing the brunt of the damage caused by climate change for several decades. Sea level rise, river erosion, coastal salinity, cyclones, tidal surges, floods, and droughts are affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions every year. Our biggest demand at COP30 will be to ensure fair financing, technology support, and compensation for damage.
First, Bangladesh will demand prompt and appropriate funding from the Loss and Damage Fund, because the country's climate change-related losses are increasing day by day. Village after village is being lost to river erosion, a crisis of clean water is emerging in coastal areas, agricultural production is being affected, and millions of people are becoming climate refugees. To address these losses, not only commitments are needed, but also sustainable financing and planning.
Second, increasing adaptation financing is one of Bangladesh's biggest needs. Adequate investment is needed in coastal embankment rehabilitation, construction of cyclone shelters, water treatment plants, discovery of salinity-tolerant crops, agricultural diversification, and development of disaster forecasting systems.
Third, Bangladesh will play a strong diplomatic role to ensure international cooperation in renewable energy and technology transfer. The country is gradually moving towards the use of solar power, wind power and other renewable and clean energy, but the lack of investment and technology is now a major obstacle. Therefore, Bangladesh must seek international support for technology transfer, low-interest loans, and building skilled human resources.
Fourth, international recognition of the climate refugee issue is also very important. Millions of people have already been displaced in the southern part of the country due to climate change, and there is a risk of millions more being displaced in the future. Therefore, Bangladesh can also raise the demand for the formulation of global policies on the rights, rehabilitation, and social protection of climate refugees.
Fifth, Bangladesh will also raise the demand for ensuring a transparent and fair carbon market, so that developing countries are not subject to fraud or complications and receive real financial benefits from carbon trading.
The COP30 negotiations will last for two weeks, where discussions will be held on how to “move away from fossil fuels,” protect forests worldwide, and raise the necessary funds to rescue poor countries from disasters. The key to the success of this meeting will be to create a transparent path to a future that keeps global temperatures as low as possible.
COP30 is not just a place for environmental discussions, but also a place to address important questions such as the right to life, fairness, and global responsibility. Bangladesh must strongly present its demands for justice, financing, technology transfer, and compensation in the interest of preserving its existence.
Developing countries are not responsible for climate change, but they bear the brunt of the damage. The entire Global South, including Bangladesh, is expecting that COP30 will establish fairness and open up new horizons for global cooperation based on equality.
Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder is Dean, Faculty of Science; Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh; Joint Secretary, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and Chairman, Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS).
