Prof Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder :
As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Bangladesh heads into COP29 with high hopes for decisive action on reducing global dependence on fossil fuels. The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) will be a critical opportunity for the international community to address ongoing environmental challenges, including transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy alternatives. This transition is essential for Bangladesh, which is on the frontline of climate impacts, facing frequent cyclones, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events that threaten its agricultural economy and densely populated coastal regions. For COP29, Bangladesh has set clear expectations in areas such as climate finance, green technology support, and sustainable development frameworks to reduce its fossil fuel dependency and strengthen its climate resilience.
A priority for Bangladesh at COP29 is securing enhanced financial support to shift away from fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy infrastructure. As a developing country, Bangladesh’s capacity to transition from coal, gas, and other fossil fuels to sustainable alternatives is limited by financial constraints. Bangladesh is likely to advocate for the establishment of a more accessible financial framework at COP29. This framework would provide developing countries with grants and low-interest loans tailored for renewable energy projects, early warning systems, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. Such initiatives are essential for Bangladesh’s goals of achieving a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix and reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
The concept of a “just transition” will likely be central to Bangladesh’s demands at COP29. A just transition ensures that workers and communities reliant on fossil fuel industries do not suffer economically as the world shifts to cleaner energy sources. Bangladesh, which still relies on coal and natural gas for much of its energy production, will advocate for solutions that consider the social and economic impacts of reducing fossil fuel usage. COP29 is expected to see discussions around policies allowing developing countries like Bangladesh to gradually phase out fossil fuel dependency while investing in education and re-skilling programs. These programs could prepare workers for jobs in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, creating new employment opportunities that align with Bangladesh’s environmental and economic goals.
A major demand from Bangladesh at COP29 will be the scaling up of investment in renewable energy sources. Although Bangladesh has made progress with solar home systems and small-scale renewable projects, it still requires substantial support in infrastructure and technology to implement large-scale projects. Bangladesh will seek commitments from developed nations to fund renewable energy projects and provide necessary technology transfers to scale these solutions. With access to efficient technology and expertise, Bangladesh could diversify its energy sources beyond fossil fuels. The country is expected to push for measures that enhance access to solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric systems. Support for pilot projects that test alternative sources, like offshore wind or tidal energy, will also be on the agenda. COP29 could provide a platform to strengthen the “Technology Mechanism,” a system aimed at accelerating the adoption of clean energy technology in developing nations.
Bangladesh played a pivotal role in COP27’s establishment of the “Loss and Damage Fund,” which aims to support countries experiencing severe climate-related losses. At COP29, Bangladesh will seek concrete measures for the operationalization of this fund. Bangladesh’s coastal areas and low-lying regions are frequently impacted by sea-level rise and extreme weather events, making it imperative for the country to have access to funds that can help it recover and adapt. Bangladesh expects that COP29 will establish guidelines for rapid fund disbursement and create criteria to ensure that the most vulnerable communities receive necessary aid promptly. Addressing loss and damage will allow Bangladesh to focus more of its domestic resources on transitioning away from fossil fuels and developing climate-resilient infrastructure without the constant burden of disaster recovery. One of the critical global changes that Bangladesh hopes to see at COP29 is a commitment from developed nations to phase out subsidies for fossil fuels. These subsidies keep fossil fuels affordable in many parts of the world, making it difficult for cleaner energy sources to compete.
Firstly, countries may agree on a timeline to gradually reduce coal use, with financial support for those needing time to make the transition. Bangladesh stands to benefit from international backing that could help it replace coal power plants with solar or wind alternatives. Secondly, COP29 could see an expansion of carbon pricing strategies like carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, which could apply globally. These mechanisms encourage industries to reduce their emissions, promoting greener alternatives and fostering an environment where renewable energy sources become more competitive. Another anticipated solution is the establishment of a dedicated Green Energy Fund, specifically supporting renewable energy adoption in developing countries. This fund could be used to build large-scale solar or wind farms, and in Bangladesh, such projects would help address power shortages and improve rural electrification without expanding fossil fuel usage.
Finally, COP29 is likely to push for firmer commitments from major emitters, with a more ambitious roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This would send a strong signal to both public and private sectors worldwide that the future lies in renewable energy, potentially unlocking significant investment in Bangladesh’s clean energy sector.
For Bangladesh, COP29 represents a crucial moment to gain international support for its transition away from fossil fuels. The country’s leaders hope that COP29 will not only deliver on climate finance and renewable energy investments but also foster meaningful commitments to a just, equitable energy transition. If global leaders can come together to implement robust solutions, COP29 could set the stage for a more sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh, with fewer fossil fuels and a stronger focus on building a greener economy.
(The writer is Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor, Dept. of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh).