UK to work for climate deal

The British government will raise its voice with climate vulnerable counties to reach a legally-binding climate deal in the upcoming climate conference in Durban.
“Despite the ongoing economic meltdown in the European Union, the UK government along with the EU will push the developed countries to reach a legally-binding climate agreement,” said British parliament member Ivan Lewis at a meet-the-press programme in the city yesterday.
Nagarik Sanghati (citizen solidarity) with support from Oxfam and Campaign for Sustainable Rural livelihood (CSRL) organised the event at Jatiya Press Club.
Lewis said the Labour Party will also push the developed countries in Durban to provide financial support to the climate vulnerable countries to cope with its adverse impacts. “I'm very much optimistic about reaching an agreement, but it won't be easy,” he added.
He said the coastal belt in south and south-western region of Bangladesh is getting affected due to climate change. “So, strengthening cooperation among the communities at national and regional levels is very important to face the adverse impacts of climate change. Community involvement is crucially important to tackle climate change.”
About the country's economic growth, he said Bangladesh will become a middle-income country by the next 15-20 years.
Labour Party Policy Adviser Sophie Sutcliffe was also present.