Act fast to save the planet
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked global leaders to ensure concessional finance and debt relief and access to technology for all to overcome the impending crisis posed by climate change.
She also called for the promised $100 billion per year to support adaptation and mitigation activities.
"The time to take action to save the planet is not tomorrow, it's today. Strict implementation of the Paris Agreement is the only way out and the issue of 'Loss and Damage' must be mainstreamed," the PM said.
Hasina was addressing the high level panel closing session of the UNFCCC Race to Zero Dialogues on "Transformational Leadership to Meet Net-Zero Ambition" through a pre-recorded video message.
The premier said though climate change is a stark reality for all, it is more evident for the climate vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.
"A further rise in the sea level, even for half a metre, could threaten the very survival of many climate vulnerable countries," she said, adding that the global leadership must take bold decisions to reduce carbon emission to save life and precious resources.
Considering global high risks, the national parliament of Bangladesh declared a "Planetary Emergency" and called upon the world to work "on a war footing'' to stop climate change, the PM said. "We expect the same approach from the rest of the global leadership."
Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh this year faced recurrent flooding along with two cyclones that damaged crops and habitats, and affected people's livelihood amid the Covid-19 pandemic. "All these were happening due to global warming which is altering nature."
The PM said the bottom 100 countries account for just 3.5 percent of the global emission whereas the G20 countries are responsible for three-quarters.
"So, we expect more responsible actions from the leadership of these countries. We also call for an international day to be named 'Climate Resilience Day' to secure our harmony with mother earth."
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