Climate budget falls short of adaptation needs

Climate activists and experts on Sunday expressed concern that the proposed national budget for FY2026-27 allocates insufficient resources for long-term climate adaptation, urging the government to increase climate spending to at least 3 percent of GDP.

They made the call at a seminar titled “National Budget 2026-27 and Climate Allocation” held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital.

Speakers noted that climate-related expenditure in the proposed budget accounts for only 0.76 percent of GDP, far below the level needed to address the country’s growing climate vulnerabilities.

The seminar was jointly organised by COAST Foundation, BDCSO Process and EquityBD and moderated by COAST Foundation Executive Director M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury.

Participants called for a dedicated adaptation plan for coastal water management, prioritising the strengthening of embankments, sluice gates, drainage systems and other protective infrastructure, as well as the renovation of ageing polders and construction of climate-resilient structures.

They also stressed the importance of improving safe water supply and irrigation through rainwater harvesting, restoration of water bodies and canals, expansion of water-efficient irrigation technologies and promotion of salinity-tolerant crops.

M Rezaul Karim said climate justice for coastal communities must be reflected in the national budget, citing salinity intrusion, river erosion, water scarcity and climate-induced displacement as key challenges facing vulnerable populations.

He called for transparent climate financing focused on vulnerable groups and urged wider adoption of rainwater harvesting, pond-based storage, pond-sand filters, salinity-resilient water supply systems and small-scale desalination technologies.

Md Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, identified protection from water-related disasters and diseases, and ensuring adequate safe water for drinking and agriculture, as key priorities.

He emphasised seawater desalination, pond excavation and rainwater harvesting as important measures to address the drinking water crisis in coastal areas.

Microfinance Policy and Advocacy Specialist Md Mosharraf Hossain said improved governance and institutional reforms could help reduce the budget deficit, while strengthening accountability and financial management.

RDRS Bangladesh Director Tarek Sayeed Harun said microfinance institutions contribute around 22 percent to GDP but lack adequate recognition and support.

Syed Aminul Haque, Director of COAST Foundation, called for a dedicated financing system for MFIs and stronger governance, transparency and issue-based budgeting in climate finance.