Budget reflects no concern for environment

The government should allocate 3.2 percent of the GDP for climate adaptation in the proposed national budget, since this will prepare the country to effectively combat the risks posed by climate change, said speakers at a programme yesterday.

Under the recently proposed national budget, an allocation of Tk 37,051 crore has been made for climate-related initiatives. It represents 4.86 percent of the total budget and 0.74 percent of GDP. 

Civil Society (CSOs) and experts have voiced concerns that this budget allocation falls short of adequately addressing climate change challenges.

Climate change causes an economic loss of 2-3 percent of GDP each year. Failure to allocate adequate allocation in this sector could hinder the country's sustainable development.

COAST Foundation, Center for Participatory Research & Development (CPRD), Centre for Sustainable Rural Livelihood(CSRL), EquityBD, An Organisation for Socio-Economic Development (AOSED)-Khulna, Climate Action Network on South Asia-Bangladesh(CANSA-BD)and LEDARS-Satkhira jointly came up with this demand in a discussion held at the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

Addressing the event, Syed Aminul Hoque, director of COAST Foundation, stressed that successful implementation of government plans, such as the Delta Plan 2100, Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan 2030, and National Determined Plan, require an annual allocation of around 3.2 percent of the GDP.

Jiaul Haque Mukta, president of CSRL, called for skillful planning and adequate allocation of funds for climate change adaptation.

Shamsuddoha, executive director of CPRD, highlighted the concerned ministries' lack of capability to effectively utilise financial resources and implement project-based planning.

"Separate climate finance mechanism is required to overcome this challenge," he said.

Ferdous Ara Rumee, co-director of the COAST Foundation, demanded climate financing as part of a safety net programme for climate-vulnerable women.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, executive director of COAST Foundation and moderator of the session, suggested that disaster risk reduction, social development, technical education, and employment generation programmes could be effectively implemented under this comprehensive plan, ensuring a strong protection system for the coastal population.