Tackling the Climate Crisis: A People-Centred Approach needed

PRIME Minister Tarique Rahman’s call for five urgent measures to address the climate crisis is significant for Bangladesh and the global struggle for climate justice.

His appeal at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, highlights the need for fair climate financing, debt relief, transfer of environment-friendly technologies, expansion of renewable energy and a just energy transition.

His proposal that at least 50 per cent of international climate finance should be allocated to adaptation deserves particular attention.

Countries suffering most from climate change should not be burdened with additional loans for a crisis they have contributed little to creating.

Bangladesh is among the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, despite its negligible contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Rising sea levels, coastal salinity, river erosion, floods, cyclones and abnormal temperatures threaten agriculture, public health, water security and people’s livelihoods.

Climate change is no longer merely an environmental concern; it is a major economic, social and humanitarian challenge.

International cooperation must be accompanied by effective national policies. Bangladesh needs an inclusive, equitable, biodiversity-friendly and people-centred climate management framework.

Farmers, fishermen, women, children, elderly people and low-income communities are often the worst affected.

Their experiences and needs must be reflected in policy formulation and implementation.

Local governments, civil society, researchers, environmental organisations and young people should participate in decision-making.

Protection of nature and biodiversity must become an integral part of development planning.

Deforestation, river pollution, destruction of wetlands, unplanned urbanisation and the loss of agricultural land must be addressed urgently.

Greater emphasis should be placed on renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable water management and environmentally friendly industrial practices.

Equally important is the development of an environment-conscious way of life.

Conserving water and electricity, reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management, planting trees and encouraging public transport should become common social practices.

Environmental education must begin at schools and extend to families, workplaces and communities.

Climate financing must also ensure transparency and accountability. Funds should reach vulnerable communities rather than disappear through mismanagement or poorly designed projects.

Stronger disaster preparedness, cyclone shelters, early-warning systems and resilient infrastructure are essential.

The Prime Minister’s appeal has rightly highlighted Bangladesh’s legitimate demands on the international stage.

Now those principles must be translated into practical national action. Economic progress cannot be sustainable at the expense of nature and human security.

Governments, communities, businesses and individuals must work together to protect the environment.

The ultimate goal should be a climate-resilient Bangladesh where development, social justice and biodiversity protection advance together, ensuring a safe and habitable world for future generations.