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What Bangladesh expects from COP29 summit 

Published : Thursday, 14 November, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 453
Shahrina Akhtar, PhD
As the global spotlight shines on COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the eyes of the world, particularly those from climate-vulnerable nations, are glued to the decisions made at this crucial summit. For Bangladesh, a nation that has long been at the forefront of climate impacts, COP29 presents both an opportunity and a challenge. With rising sea levels threatening its coastal communities, devastating floods ravaging its fertile plains, and severe cyclones becoming an annual occurrence, Bangladesh has a compelling case to make at the conference.

At COP29, the stakes are incredibly high for Bangladesh, as it seeks to build on its role as a climate leader and advocate for vulnerable nations. From climate finance to sustainable agriculture, the country is pushing hard for commitments that will allow it to adapt to climate change while continuing its march toward sustainable development. The outcomes of this COP have the potential to reshape the nation's climate policy, boost its resilience, and influence the global agenda in ways that are both critical and timely.

Bangladesh's Climate Aspirations: For Bangladesh, the immediate focus at COP29 revolves around securing much-needed climate finance. Despite the country's impressive strides in climate adaptation, including the development of resilient infrastructure and early warning systems, the financial support needed to tackle the deepening climate crisis has remained elusive. As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Bangladesh is advocating for enhanced climate finance, including the full operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, a key pillar of the Paris Agreement designed to support countries experiencing irreversible climate impacts.

The Loss and Damage Fund is particularly important for Bangladesh, as its coastal regions face the brunt of rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The government has long pushed for this mechanism to be adequately funded to help cover the costs associated with the loss of lives, livelihoods, and land, which is an ongoing challenge for the millions who live in vulnerable zones. At COP29, Bangladesh is not only asking for more financial resources but also pushing for faster disbursement and greater flexibility in accessing funds to implement climate resilience projects.

In addition to financing, Bangladesh is keen on fostering international collaborations to improve agricultural sustainability in the face of climate change. The country's agricultural sector, which forms the backbone of its economy, faces a dual threat: on one hand, the increasing salinity of soil in the coastal areas, and on the other, the unpredictable nature of rainfall patterns due to global warming. These shifts in climate conditions make traditional farming practices increasingly difficult to maintain, threatening food security and economic stability. As part of its climate adaptation strategy, Bangladesh is pushing for support in the form of research into salt-tolerant crop varieties, improved irrigation systems, and climate-resilient farming practices.

With a large portion of its population dependent on agriculture, the country views a climate-resilient agricultural sector as central to its future. At COP29, Bangladesh is advocating for the integration of sustainable agricultural practices into the global climate discourse. The hope is that by advancing agricultural technologies and best practices for resilience, Bangladesh can not only secure its food supply but also play a leadership role in helping other countries facing similar challenges.

What Bangladesh Stands to Gain or Lose: COP29 presents a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, with both immense potential and significant challenges. As international awareness of climate change impacts on vulnerable nations like Bangladesh grows, the urgency for tangible climate action intensifies. A major barrier, however, remains the issue of climate finance. Despite past commitments from world leaders to allocate billions toward adaptation and mitigation efforts in developing countries, the actual disbursement of these funds has often fallen short. Bangladesh, like many other developing nations, has faced delays and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder access to the funds required for crucial climate resilience projects. At COP29, Bangladesh is pushing for these financial pledges to translate into real, accessible support to enable the country to tackle its climate challenges.

Another critical issue for Bangladesh at COP29 is emission reduction targets. While it is not a major emitter of greenhouse gases, Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to the impacts of global emissions, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The country will advocate for developed nations to fulfill their emissions reduction obligations and to ensure that developing countries are also part of the global climate negotiations. Additionally, Bangladesh is deeply invested in securing a robust Loss and Damage mechanism. With the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund a priority at COP29, Bangladesh hopes to secure the resources needed to address the irreversible effects of climate change, which cannot be mitigated or adapted to. If successful, this would mark a major victory for the country and the global effort to assist those most affected by climate impacts.

What COP29 Means for Bangladesh's Future: As COP29 unfolds in Baku, Bangladesh watches with both anticipation and caution, aware that the conference's outcomes could significantly shape its future. Key issues at the forefront include securing financial support for climate adaptation, fostering agricultural innovation, and ensuring adequate assistance for vulnerable nations facing climate-induced disasters. If the conference delivers favorable results, Bangladesh stands to gain increased financial access to ramp up efforts to shield its vulnerable communities from rising seas and extreme weather events. This could pave the way for stronger agricultural resilience, promoting sustainable farming systems that would enhance food security and bolster the nation's economy. Additionally, promises to address loss and damage could offer vital recovery support, enabling Bangladesh to rebuild more resiliently after climate disasters.

Yet, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. Even if COP29 yields promising pledges, the true test will be in translating these commitments into tangible actions. For Bangladesh, the real measure of success lies not in the agreements made but in the implementation of these promises. The coming years will be critical as the country navigates the complexities of translating international support into local resilience. COP29 must pave the way for lasting change, with Bangladesh not only adapting but leading by example for other vulnerable nations. The stakes are high, and the global community's commitment to meaningful action will determine whether Bangladesh can thrive in an increasingly volatile climate.

The writer is a Technical Specialist & Research Adviser, Krishi Gobeshona Foundation



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