Bangladesh and the United States (US) have showed keen interest to strengthen their bilateral ties in addressing the challenges of climate change.
Such interest was expressed at a discussion between Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Bangladesh Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Climate Change and John Kerry, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate on Tuesday at the latter's US state department office, sources said on Thursday.
The envoys discussed mitigation, funding for adaptation, technology transfer as well as loss and damage and shared perspectives to forge greater bilateral cooperation and on global climate platforms including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).
Saber Chowdhury reiterated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's commitment and leadership on climate issues and said that Bangladesh would continue to raise voice for addressing the mitigation and adaptation challenges of climate change as regards the global climate pledges.
He also briefed Kerry about various climate initiatives of Sheikh Hasina's progressive government including the 'Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan' which draws a trajectory for Bangladesh from vulnerability to resilience to climate change.
John Kerry said that the US has been discussing with those nations or major contributors of carbon dioxide to reduce global carbon emissions and working with institutions like the World Bank on funding issues.
Regarding investment in Bangladesh's renewable sector, he said that the US would be willing to be a partner in helping Bangladesh achieve its climate goals.
Both the envoys underlined the importance and urgency of building consensus and global solidarity through enhanced collective efforts to make COP28 a success.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran was also present at the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP chaired a global inquiry on public financing and progress on phase out of fossil fuels at the Senate Hart Building in Washington, DC.
Senator Ed Markey, Member of Canadian Senate Roza Galvez and leading parliamentarians from Uruguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Zambia and Uganda participated in the inquiry and heard from expert witnesses.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh has made significant progress in addressing the climate change issues. Following are some areas where the progress are evident.
Green House Gas Emission (GHG) Reduction under Montreal Protocol:
Bangladesh has successfully implemented required obligation under the Montreal Protocol. More than 2.14 MtCO2 emission will be reduced by 2025 as per Montreal Protocol targets. Bangladesh ratified the Kigali Amendment on 08 June 2020 and enacted an SRO to reduce import and consumption of HFCs on 18 March 2021 with a view to phasing-down HFC by 2045.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency:
Bangladesh is pursuing a low carbon development path with increasing emphasis on renewable energy and energy efficiency. The country installed 541.7 MW capacity solar power plants, completed installation of additional 911.8 MW solar power plant and 149 MW Wind Power plant is in the process.
Installed more than 6 million Solar Home Systems in off-grid areas and distributed 4.5 million Improved Cook Stoves in rural areas across the country.
Adaptation Measures in Agriculture
Bangladesh has undertaken research on development of drought, cold, waterlogging, and diseases, developed pest and salt tolerant crops varieties to cope with the changing climate.
Also developed early harvest short duration rice varieties, drought tolerant early varieties and flood tolerant varieties.
Floating Agriculture in Bangladesh
Floating bed to grow vegetables and spices or seedlings in the wetlands is already very popular in the south-central coastal districts utilizing locally available water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds. The land underneath is used for production of fish in the open water and crops on the floating bed.
Disaster Management in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has become a role model and demonstrated immense success in Disaster Management and Disaster Risk Reduction, which is well recognized globally. Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) established by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman have 76,020 volunteers (of which around 50% are women) for DRR.
Additionally, 46,000 urban volunteers are also working for urban safety and resilience. Some 4,530 Cyclone Shelters have been constructed across the coast and 320 Flood Shelters have been constructed across the country with additional 393 Flood Shelters under construction.
Around 550 Mujib Killa, specially designed raised land, have been constructed to provide shelter for the people and livestock in coastal regions during the cyclone/tidal surge. About 60 Multipurpose Rescue Boats have been built for persons with disability.
A total of 66 Disaster Relief Warehouse-cum-Disaster Information Centers were established. Another 18 community radio (FM) network has been established for the coastal people and fishermen.