BD loses $5b to climate change Experts tell seminar
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh is incurring losses of US$ 4.5-5 billion annually due to climate effects although the country is not responsible much for the causes of climate change, experts said on Wednesday.
Biodiversity and agricultural production are under serious threat due to the changes in the course and timing of monsoons in recent years, they added, emphasizing the need for adaptation, mitigation and capacity building to address the climate change impacts, they informed.
Speakers said those at a discussion titled ‘COP-28: Bangladesh Perspective: Expectations and Challenges’ held at the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) Bhaban in Dhaka on Wednesday.
M Khairul Hossain said, “Although Bangladesh is not responsible for climate change, the country is incurring losses equal to USD 4.5-5 billion every year.
The PKSF is implementing various activities to increase the coping capability of those living in the climate-vulnerable regions, particularly of the poor.
It has established an ‘Environment and Climate Change Unit’ to effectively implement these activities.
A ‘Knowledge Hub’, with extensive data and other documents on climate change, was launched at the event.
Ainun Nishat emphasized the importance of conducting environmental
surveys before undertaking any infrastructure development project.
He said that now that Bangladesh has graduated from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), the country needs to start finding new allies in international climate discussions.
“As a source of renewable energy in Bangladesh, wind power generation opportunities can be explored by installing wind turbines in the coastal areas, he said.
Nomita Halder said that the PKSF is implementing different activities to protect the poor and the extremely poor who are vulnerable to climate change impacts.
In recognition of the efficiency and transparency of these activities, PKSF has already been recognized as the Direct Access Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and a National Implementing Entity of the Adaptation Fund under the United Nations.
PKSF Chairman M Khairul Hossain presided over the event where BRAC University’s Emeritus Prof Ainun Nishat and PKSF Managing Director Nomita Halder spoke as special guests.
