During a high-profile parliamentary roundtable held by the Bangladesh High Commission in London at the UK House of Lords, a proposal was put forth to establish a parliamentary caucus focused on addressing climate change. This initiative aims to prepare for the upcoming COP28 conference in Dubai, scheduled for later this year.
Named “Bangladesh-UK Climate Accord: Priorities for COP28,” the roundtable occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2023. This event marked a significant milestone as it was the first climate change roundtable between Bangladesh and the UK held at the British parliament.
The gathering brought together Ministers and parliamentarians from the Houses of Parliament in the UK, along with their counterparts from Bangladesh. The participants engaged in productive discussions concerning the shared priorities of both nations for COP28, taking into consideration the Bangladesh-UK Climate Accord, which was signed in March of the current year.
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During the roundtable, several prominent figures addressed the attendees. Bangladesh’s Deputy Minister for Education, Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, MP, spoke, along with the former deputy minister of the Environment and Forest Ministry and current chair of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Abdullah Al Islam Jakob, MP. Additionally, Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh, Nahim Razzak MP, Sheikh Tonmoy MP, and Ayeen Uddin MP delivered speeches.
From the UK side, the Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan, MP, was present, along with other British parliamentarians. This included UK Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Kerry McCarthy MP, Shadow Minister for Small Business, Consumers, and Labour Markets, Seema Malhotra MP, Member of the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Select Committee, Baroness Rosie Boycott, Member of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Trade and Investment, Lord Popat, Member of the UK House of Lords Economic Affairs Select Committee, Baroness Susan Kramer, and Baroness Uddin, who is the member of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Foreign Affairs.
At the roundtable, Lord Mawson, a member of the House of Lords Built Environment Select Committee, Lord Stevenson, the Shadow Spokesperson for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, Opposition Whip Lord Sunny Leong, and former member of the House of Lords Economic Affairs Select Committee Lord Swaraj Paul represented the UK.
Climate prosperity issue takes centre stage
The opening remarks were delivered by Saida Muna Tasneem, the Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, while Baroness Verma, the former UK Minister for Energy and Climate Change and co-host of the roundtable, gave the welcome speech.
In his speech, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury MP proposed a four-point agenda for joint pursuit by Bangladesh and the UK at COP28. The points included addressing loss and damage, climate financing, investing in the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, and facilitating Bangladesh’s transition into a low-carbon economy through strategic investments in clean, renewable, and green energy solutions.
Abdullah Al Islam Jakob MP highlighted the extreme climate vulnerabilities faced by coastal areas in Bangladesh and emphasized the implementation of over 800 resilience-building projects along the coastline under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Nahim Razzak MP, the Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh, proposed the establishment of a parliamentary caucus on climate change ahead of COP28.
UK Minister for Housing and Homelessness Felicity Buchan MP commended Bangladesh for its sustained success in climate adaptation leadership, women empowerment, and socio-economic development. High Commissioner Saida Muna Tasneem recalled the historic signing of the Bangladesh-UK Climate Accord in Dhaka in March, during the visit of UK’s Minister for Asia Pacific Anne-Marie Trevelyan. She recommended that both countries collaborate on a plan of action for implementing the Climate Accord.
The UK parliamentarians emphasised the significance of climate finance and funds for addressing loss and damage, particularly considering Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change. They also called for increased investments in green infrastructure, agriculture, and food security.
Signing deal on recap
On second week of March this year, the State Minister of Bangladesh, Md Shahriar Alam, and the Indo-Pacific Minister of the United Kingdom, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, signed the climate accord titled ‘Bangladesh-UK Climate Accord.’ The signing took place at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital city, according to reports.
Following the signing of the agreement, Shahriar Alam expressed that Bangladesh and Britain would collaborate on addressing climate change, particularly in implementing the recommendations put forth during COP26 and COP27.
“In particular, we will collaborate to address the issue of loss and damage in favor of climate-vulnerable countries,” he expressed. The state minister additionally highlighted Dhaka’s intention to cooperate with the UK in enhancing the innovative aspects of the climate adaptation financial mechanism. This initiative aims to provide support to countries severely impacted by the adverse consequences of global warming.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan arrived in Dhaka on 10 March 2023 to engage in discussions related to security, democracy, human rights, trade, and the Rohingya crisis. “The purpose of the visit is to celebrate the achievements and strengthen the close bilateral relationship for the future, including during Bangladesh’s crucial election year,” mentioned the British High Commission in reference to the visit.
Key elements of the Bangladesh-UK Climate Accord
The agreement aims to build upon the climate leadership exhibited by Bangladesh during its Presidency of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), as well as the UK’s Presidency of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) held in Glasgow.
During COP26, Bangladesh’s leadership in coordinating and advocating for the voices of climate-vulnerable countries played a crucial role in securing increased ambition from major emitters. Despite the advancements achieved at COP26, it remains crucial for all nations to sustain their collective endeavours in fulfilling the commitments made during both COP26 and the forthcoming COP27.
Demonstrating the UK’s dedication to combating climate change on a global scale, numerous new bilateral, regional, and central initiatives were unveiled at COP26 with a specific focus on Bangladesh.
These programs will contribute to building resilience, protecting biodiversity, expanding renewable energy, preventing pollution, and improving waste management. Additionally, they will support women’s leadership, increased access to climate finance, and advancements in education and skills in Bangladesh.
Mitigation is recognised as an urgent priority, and both countries are committed to taking bold and comprehensive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Ambitious and enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions, expanding emissions reduction targets, will be submitted. The UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with a focus on zero-emission vehicles by 2040, is appreciated by Bangladesh. Furthermore, Bangladesh aims to increase the share of clean energy to 40% of total energy by 2041.
Recognising Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, heat stress, droughts, and natural disasters, both countries acknowledge the need for comprehensive adaptation measures. Collaboration through the Dhaka office of the Global Centre on Adaptation will be strengthened to avert, minimize, and address displacement resulting from climate change. The recently launched Global Hub on Locally Led Adaptation will facilitate the transfer of adaptation solutions developed in Bangladesh, the UK, and other countries to benefit climate-vulnerable communities in South Asia and beyond.
Nature-based solutions are emphasised as critical tools for adaptation and mitigation. Both countries commit to sharing expertise and scaling up nature-based solutions domestically and internationally. Efforts will be made to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, in line with the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use.
Recognising the need for financial support to accelerate the development and deployment of environmentally friendly technologies, climate finance assumes a crucial role. The UK’s commitment to doubling international climate finance to £11.6 billion over the period of 2021-2025 establishes a significant standard for the global community. Bangladesh’s domestically resourced Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund is commended for financing nationwide adaptation and mitigation projects. Efforts will be made to ensure more finance reaches those most affected by climate change through a country-led approach and enhanced private finance. Access to climate finance by vulnerable countries, increased funding for adaptation, and improved gender-responsiveness are areas of focus.
Collaboration and knowledge exchange between Bangladesh and the UK will be vital in identifying practical solutions to common climate challenges. Regular joint events and dialogues on climate action will be organized, including the engagement of young people. Expanding renewable energy, conducting resource assessments for offshore renewables, and exploring new technologies suitable for Bangladesh’s land constraints are priorities. Additionally, cooperation in research, development, capacity building, and sustainable ocean development will be pursued.
