‘Admit failure in checking carbon emission’

Global leaders have entirely failed to check carbon emission and reduce climate change risks, particularly in badly affected countries like Bangladesh, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said yesterday.

“We want global leaders to admit their faults and failures. They should be more responsible and implement the commitments they have made in several treaties,” said Iftekharuzzaman.

He made the remarks while speaking at a human chain on climate change, held in front of Jatiya Press Club in the capital. TIB organised the event to express solidarity with the Global Climate Strike, which went on from September 20-27.

Hundreds of youngsters, who are members of TIB’s Youth Engagement and Support (YES) groups, took part in the human chain, carrying various placards and banners with messages of saving the country and planet.

“It is a fact that human civilisation is now on the verge of destruction… The industrially developed countries are responsible for the crisis,” said Iftekharuzzaman.

“We have to make sure that they cannot escape their responsibilities and commitments,” he added.

To reduce adverse climate change impacts, TIB’s executive director demanded reduction of carbon emission as per the commitments, wide use of renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, and proper compensation to affected countries.

He also criticised Bangladesh’s increasing reliance on coal-based power plants, which he termed as “inviting the enemy to your own house”.

“The whole world has already moved away from such power plants. But we are becoming more dependent on them,” said Iftekharuzzaman.

“It is embarrassing and regretful that we are also going to contribute to climate change despite being one of its worst victims,” he said, mentioning ongoing construction of several coal-based power plants.

He suggested the government give more emphasis on renewable energy generation and invest more in climate change projects considering the wellbeing of the future generations.

He also urged authorities to play a more active role in obtaining compensations from developed countries.