Highlighting the expectations and thoughts of the civil society on the proposed climate budget 2021-22, by Network on Climate Change, Bangladesh (NCC,B) on Thursday arranged a press conference at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
Muhammad Farrukh Rahman, Project Manager (Research and Advocacy) of NCC,B, presented the keynote at press conference titled ‘Priorities of Life and Livelihood: Justice and Good Governance.’He was also presided over the press conference.
“The major obstacle to sustainable development in Bangladesh is the adverse effects of climate change. This man-made impact has become a major challenge for Bangladesh. The government is committed to addressing the risks and has taken specific steps to overcome them. This year, the total climate saturated budget is 7.26 per cent. Climate-related allocations have been steadily declining in the previous three fiscal years,” said Farrukh Rahman.
“In this fiscal, there is no difference in the number and budget of projects in Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund with the last fiscal year 2020-21 except for one project increase in the Ministry of Agriculture,” he added.
Kawser Rahman, President of the Climate Change Journalists Forum, said, “It is very disappointing that the budget session was presented only ahead of two days ago of the Environment Day but no statement was delivered from the Finance Minister on the environment.”
“The budget of the Ministry of Environment is comparatively less than the previous years. The analysis shows that the efficiency of the Ministry of Environment in spending the budget has also decreased comparatively. They have not been able to spend the original budget in the last financial year. The Ministry of Environment should take steps to increase their efficiency. We may get rid of Coronavirus after somedays but it is very difficult to get rid of climate change effects.”
In this context and to sustain and increase the trend of climate finance in Bangladesh, as a climate advocacy plat form, NCC,B has come up with seven recommendations:
1. At least one per cent of the GDP will have to be allocated for tackling climate change.
2. To form a climate commission lead by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina consisting private and public representatives and amending of climate change trust act, 2010 to ensure the operation of climate financing from one fund as well as transparency and accountability of it.
3. Not to approve unwanted projects by disclosing the actual feasibility assessment of the project expenditure.
4. In order to collect internal resources in climate finance, ‘Green Tax’ should be imposed on the excessive use of electricity-gas-water polluting vehicles, airplane journey and transportation of goods by air. And this money must be spent on tackling climate change.
5. To form separate ‘Local (district-wise) Climate Fiscal Framework’ for every district.
6. Climate projects need to ensure the necessary allocation according to the needs of the most vulnerable people.
7. Special programs for climate refugees should be launched immediately.