COP 28:
Bangladesh has demanded a doubling of climate adaptation funds for countries affected by the global crisis, alongside science-based solutions. At the ongoing COP28 climate conference in Dubai, Bangladesh stressed the need for decisive action on fossil fuels if global warming is to be controlled.
Expressing disappointment with the draft’s weak adaptation targets, Bangladesh emphasized that controlling global carbon emissions requires a strong political commitment from major emitters. Developed nations must lead the effort to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, the Prime Minister’s climate envoy and head of the Bangladesh delegation, stated, “To keep global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius, we need a decision on fossil fuels. Many countries are talking, but we must listen to science. Decisions must be based on science.”
He expressed optimism that the two remaining days of the conference would produce acceptable results: “So far, all issues have been included in the draft for discussion. Monday and Tuesday are crucial days. We hope to achieve an acceptable outcome from this climate conference in these two days.”
Regarding the weak draft on adaptation targets, Chowdhury commented, “We are reviewing the draft for global adaptation targets. We hope to strengthen this draft with like-minded countries in the final two days.”
Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Shahab Uddin emphasized the importance of new and additional public funding. He stated, “Bangladesh needs to double its adaptation funds for robust implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).”
Environment Secretary Farhina Ahmed confirmed Bangladesh’s readiness to receive compensation funds: “Bangladesh is fully prepared to receive money from this fund. We are working on it.”
COP28 opened with a historic decision to establish a compensation fund for countries most affected by climate change, raising hopes for a successful outcome. However, the final agreement hangs in the balance, with two key issues remaining: adopting ambitious targets for reducing global carbon emissions and securing commitments for transitioning away from fossil fuels.
UN Climate Change Organization head Simon Steele urged countries to abandon an obstructive mindset and prioritize cooperation: “We need to leave behind the mindset of obstructionism if we are to reach a meaningful agreement in Dubai. Cooperation is essential for approving the global stocktake. There is nothing to gain from an ‘I win, you lose’ mentality. Here, one failure means failure for all, pushing the world’s 8 billion people towards disaster. Everyone at the negotiating table should focus on what is good for everyone. The goal of all countries should be to reach a final agreement for the well-being of all people of the world.”
With Tuesday, December 12th, marking the final day of COP28, all eyes are on the remaining negotiations and the final outcome that will shape the future of climate action.
