In recent years, Bangladesh has undertaken significant steps. We now have 3.2 million Solar Home Systems, over 1.5 million Improved Cook Stoves across Bangladesh. We have developed stress tolerant crop varieties; and implemented Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. Though we are a climate vulnerable LDC, we allocated 385 million US dollars from our own resources, for adaptation and mitigation.
Yet, climate change continues to affect the lives and livelihoods of millions in our unique and active delta. Frequency and intensity of flooding, storm surge, and salinity intrusion are badly affecting our coastal habitat. Climate change may threaten our wheat and major rice crop (Boro) production. In addition, many people may have to move out, changing their traditional living and livelihoods. Studies suggest that two to three per cent of our GDP may be wiped out because of climate change. National adaptation strategies, such as the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCAP), provide a review of the country's adaptation needs according to different areas of priority. BCCAP seeks to promote the 'diversification of livelihoods' or employment opportunities (including both farm and non-farm employment) and introduce the importance of 'resilient cropping system', such that local people can survive even during climate-related hazards. (MoEF, 2009)
'Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs)' must be measurable and verifiable. We all need to pay attention to 'Carbon budgeting' and 'decarbonisation'... But, new and additional resources will be needed for their implementation. The national mandate for climate change adaptation is also illustrated by the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), which has addressed the importance of employment as part of the country's climate change adaptation efforts. (GoB, 2005)
Private 'climate finance' can only be complementary, and for mitigation. Green Climate Fund needs to take those into account, particularly for countries like Bangladesh. Robust and early capitalisation of GCF is crucial.
Adaptation' is key for us. The developed countries must match our own contributions and efforts. Support to 'capacity building' and 'development of adaptive technologies' are important. For LDCs, IPR must be facilitated. LDCs need access to 'lifesaving technologies'.
The large emitting countries should reciprocate our voluntary commitment climate vulnerable countries. Green Climate Fund (GCF) would need to take those into account, particularly for the Climate vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. Robust and early capitalisation of GCF is crucial also. We cannot be left to adapt to 'degradation' because of climate change. The developed countries must come forward to match robust commitments and efforts from countries like ours. Support to wider capacity building', is equally important. Same is true for 'technology'. What Bangladesh asks for is access to lifesaving technologies and support to developing adaptive technologies. It is our firm commitment to low carbon, climate resilient development path. The large emitting countries should reciprocate by robust voluntary commitments from countries like ours. Bangladesh has learned much on adaptation front we are ready to share our modest experience on climate-resilience. But one thing we must not forget Climate change adaptation is often associated with policies and strategies related to social and physical resilience. (World Social Science Report 2013: Changing Global Environments, S Ahmed, 2013)
Currently, Bangladesh's policies focus mostly on community-based adaptation for addressing location-specific adaptation needs. Often these community-based adaptations overlook the importance of climate-resilient employment opportunities within the larger framework of poverty reduction. People rarely understand that their vulnerability to climate change can be exacerbated by their disadvantaged socio-economic conditions. Employment opportunities can usually offer them better options for livelihoods and overall adaptive capacity, because reduction of income poverty can lead to a better environment and improved environmental conditions. (Delamonica and Mehrotra, 2006). In addition, it is important to note that climate
vulnerability can be the reason for increased poverty or a spiral of persistent poverty. (Olsson et al, 2014).

Compiled by Natasha Israt Kabir, Freelance Researcher, Vital Voices Fellow, President and Founder of BRIDGE Foundation (Bangladesh Reform Initiative for Development, Governance and Empowerment Foundation) in Bangladesh