Bangladesh, UK join hands on climate change

Bangladesh and the UK have agreed to exchange expertise, share technology and facilitate partnerships to tackle the impacts of climate change.

In a joint statement yesterday following a meeting between Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and COP26 President-Designate and UK MP Alok Sharma in Dhaka on June 2, they agreed to demonstrate sustained leadership to tackle the climate emergency bilaterally and globally.

Alok Sharma visited Bangladesh on June 2-4 after Vietnam and Indonesia aimed at drumming up climate ambitions ahead of the COP26 to be held in Glasgow in November.

Bangladesh and the UK expressed their resolve to work together to contribute to ensuring all countries meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement, and improve the resilience of those most vulnerable to climate change.

The progress is significant given that Bangladesh is one of the most climate vulnerable countries facing massive damages to crops, properties and even lives in flooding and cyclones almost every year.

Alok Sharma welcomed the prospect of Bangladesh transitioning away from coal to clean and renewable energy, which will create economic growth and sustainable jobs.

Foreign Minister Momen underscored the necessity of securing commitments from global leaders, to curb global emissions substantially, arrest global temperature at 1.5 degrees and secure maximal climate finance.

The two leaders hoped that a climate accord between the UK and Bangladesh would be signed before COP26, expressed optimism for a successful outcome of the COP26 and will consider a possible Climate Vulnerable Forum-COP26 event at Glasgow.