Saturday | 18 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Saturday | 18 January 2025 | Epaper

Trump’s apathy to fight climate change awful 

Published : Monday, 9 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 331
Ahsan Habib Saimon
Donald Trump's potential return to the White House poses a grave threat to climate action, particularly for vulnerable nations like Bangladesh. His commitment to fossil fuels and dismantling environmental safeguards jeopardizes global progress on climate change. For countries in the Global South already facing climate crises, his policies threaten lives, livelihoods, and futures, undermining critical global partnerships and climate financing essential for resilience and sustainable development.

Trump's exit from the Paris Agreement undermined efforts to limit global warming, but Biden's return restored hope, with bold emission cuts and climate finance aiding vulnerable nations like Bangladesh. U.S. leadership strengthened Bangladesh's resilience through international support. However, Trump's potential return could mean another exit from the Paris Agreement or UNFCCC, slashing funding and stalling global momentum. His climate-skeptic stance risks derailing Bangladesh's adaptation efforts and undermining global climate goals.

As the world's second-largest greenhouse gas emitter, the U.S. shapes global climate action. Trump's fossil fuel-focused policies and rollback of clean energy incentives could inspire delays in global efforts, weakening collective action to limit warming to 1.5°C. For vulnerable nations like Bangladesh, already facing severe climate impacts, this slowdown threatens crucial funding for clean energy and adaptation, jeopardizing their resilience and survival amidst escalating climate threats.

Bangladesh exemplifies the global injustice of climate change, suffering its harshest impacts despite minimal contributions. Rising sea levels and stronger storms make the crisis a harsh reality. A shift in U.S. climate policy could weaken international support, jeopardizing Bangladesh's adaptation efforts reliant on mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund. Reduced U.S. contributions would strain resources, undermine global accountability, and threaten Bangladesh's survival amidst growing climate challenges.



In this increasingly polarized global landscape, countries like Bangladesh must forge stronger ties with other Global South nations to advocate for equitable climate action and fair responsibility. Strengthening South-South cooperation and regional partnerships could ensure the priority of climate action, even if major powers falter. A united front from climate-affected nations can shift the narrative, highlighting that climate action is not just a moral responsibility-it is a global obligation.

To prevent setbacks in climate adaptation, Bangladesh must strengthen regional alliances with countries like India, Pakistan, and Nepal to amplify its voice in global climate forums and counter reduced commitments. Diversifying funding sources, such as bonds and green investments, can decrease reliance on traditional climate finance and boost resilience. Leading negotiations with similarly impacted nations and holding major polluters accountable are crucial for advancing global climate goals.

Engaging local communities through adaptation programs and raising public awareness about climate risks can empower grassroots support for policies and resilience efforts. Establishing innovation hubs for scalable climate solutions and prioritizing resilient infrastructure, including flood barriers and durable housing, can attract global attention and build long-term resilience. These strategies will position Bangladesh as a proactive leader in addressing the climate crisis and safeguarding its future.

Trump's approach may downplay climate concerns, but the reality remains: nations like Bangladesh face severe risks. The global community must unite to secure a sustainable future, ensuring vulnerable countries receive the support they need. Delayed action worsens impacts, while cooperation offers hope. This is about justice, people, and future generations. We must act now, preserving global commitments to climate justice before it's too late. Our tomorrow depends on today's choices.

The writer is a Climate Mobility officer at Migration Youth and Children Platform, Regional Focal Point, Asia and Pacific at UNCCD Youth Caucus



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