DHAKA, Jan 10, 2024 (BSS) - Eminent water expert Professor Dr Ainun Nishat today stressed conducting environmental surveys before taking any infrastructure development project in the country.
 
"Now Bangladesh has graduated to developing country from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), it needs to start finding new allies in international climate negotiations," he told a discussion titled 'COP-28: Bangladesh Perspective: Expectations and Challenges' held at PKSF Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Speaking as the Distinguished Speaker, Dr Nishat, also the Emeritus Professor at BRAC University, said biodiversity and agricultural production are in serious threat due to the changes in patterns and timing of monsoons in recent years. 

Putting emphasis on adaptation, mitigation, financing and capacity building to address climate change impacts, he said as a source of renewable energy in Bangladesh, wind power generation opportunities can be explored by installing wind turbines in the country's coastal region.

Chaired by PKSF Chairman Dr M Khairul Hossain, the meeting was addressed, among others, by PKSF Managing Director Dr Nomita Halder and PKSF Deputy Managing Director Dr Fazle Rabbi Sadeque Ahmed.

Dr Khairul Hossain said instead of waiting for assistance from international communities, the government has formulated the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, the National Adaptation Plan and the National Adaptation Programme of Action to deal with the growing effects of climate change. 

"The implementation of these plans is currently underway as well. In recognition of such courageous and effective initiatives....Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was awarded with the 'Asia Climate Mobility Champion Leader Award' at the COP-28 conference, which is undoubtedly a matter of pride for Bangladesh," he said.

Although Bangladesh is not responsible for global climate change, it is incurring a huge loss equal to US$ 4.5-5 billion every year, Dr Hossain said. 

He said PKSF is implementing various activities to increase the coping capability of those living in climate-vulnerable regions, particularly of the poor. PKSF has established an 'Environment and Climate Change Unit' to effectively implement these activities, he added.

In the welcome remarks, Dr Nomita Halder said PKSF is implementing different activities to protect the poor and the extreme poor who are vulnerable to climate change impacts. 

In recognition of the efficiency and transparency of these activities, PKSF has already been recognised as the Direct Access Entity of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and a National Implementing Entity of the Adaptation Fund under the United Nations, she said.

A 'Knowledge Hub', with extensive data and other documents on climate change, was launched at this event. The hub is accessible for all on the PKSF website.