Environment and Climate Change Minister of Bangladesh calls for unity amongst vulnerable countries

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, May 23: The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh Saber Hossain Chowdhury has called upon the vulnerable countries to unitedly raise voices for meaningful actions to save themselves from the onslaught of climate impacts.

Addressing the opening session of the International Expert Dialogue on Mountain, People, and Climate Change organized by the Government of Nepal on Wednesday at the Chandragiri Hill Resort in Kathmandu, Minister Chowdhury said that Bangladesh is equally concerned with the melting of the glaciers across the Himalayas, which would certainly have adverse impacts on the rising sea levels in Bangladesh and other low-lying countries. Therefore, urgent action was necessary which can only be implemented with adequate and meaningful support from the developed countries, according to the press release of the Embassy of Bangladesh to Nepal. 

“ Adaptation by developing countries will not be enough, mitigation by developed countries will play a key role if the world temperature needs to stabilize at 1.5 degrees Celsius. It was unfair to expect climate action only from developing countries, which were fighting climate change impacts along with poverty.  Unless the entire world decarbonizes, whatever we try to do in terms of adaptation and resilience building would never be enough”, he said.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister of Nepal Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ the event was attended by high-level delegates including scientists and experts from about 25 countries concerned with the deterioration of the mountain health including the Himalayas. 

The Bangladesh Minister also spoke as a panelist in the session “Ambition for 1.5 degree Celsius: Urgency for Action in Mountains and Beyond”. His remarks both at the inaugural and thematic session received appreciation, support and solidarity from the audience.