Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday outlined five urgent actions to address the needs of climate-vulnerable countries, including allocating at least 50 percent of international climate finance to adaptation and introducing debt-relief measures.
“Climate-vulnerable countries need grants, not more loans that increase their debt,” he said while addressing the High-Level Segment of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
Tarique also called for reliable financial support, access to modern technology and stronger assistance for adaptation, saying the global climate finance system remained inadequate and did not properly address the needs and priorities of developing countries.
Guided by the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities, the Prime Minister placed five proposals before the international community.
First, he called for allocating at least 50 percent of international climate finance to adaptation, based on each country's priorities, while continuing to support efforts to reduce emissions.
Second, Tarique urged the introduction of debt-relief measures, including Debt-for-Climate Swaps and Climate-Resilient Debt Clauses, for vulnerable countries.
Third, he called for fair access to climate-friendly technologies and support for their transfer to developing countries.
Fourth, the Prime Minister stressed the need to accelerate the shift to renewable energy through affordable financing, skills development and a fair energy transition.
Fifth, he urged world leaders to adopt the Belem-Antalya Action Mechanism for a just transition at COP31, with fair finance and fair trade at its heart.
Tarique said climate-related losses and damages were putting a heavy burden on economies, while rising debt payments and limited financial resources were making the situation more difficult.
He said Bangladesh was on the frontline of climate change, although its contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions was less than 0.5 percent.
Despite these challenges, Bangladesh remained committed to building a trillion-dollar, climate-resilient and sustainable economy, the Prime Minister added.
Guided by the philosophy of “Bangladesh Before All”, the government believed economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand, he said, stressing that industrialisation and development must protect nature and maintain ecological balance.
Tarique said Bangladesh had set a target of meeting 20 percent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030 and was working to develop 4,000 megawatts of solar power with special tax incentives.
He said the government was also promoting waste-to-energy initiatives, green industries, electric vehicles and environment-friendly products such as jute bags, while developing a national framework for carbon trading.
The Prime Minister said the country planned to plant 250 million trees over five years.
He also highlighted plans to excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, alongside the Padma Barrage and Teesta Barrage Master Plan, to retain water, reduce flood risks, revive wetlands and recharge groundwater.
Bangladesh was also restoring mangroves on reclaimed coastal land to protect communities and strengthen climate resilience, Tarique added.
He called for ensuring the participation of women and young people in climate action, creating decent green jobs and reducing global emissions to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius goal within reach.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that COP31 would deliver meaningful, balanced and ambitious results, particularly for countries most vulnerable to climate change. “Let us turn our commitments into action. Let us strengthen global solidarity and build a sustainable future together.”
Tarique arrived in Antalya on November 10 on a three-day visit to attend the UN Climate Change Conference.