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As the world’s eyes turn to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in November 2024, the stakes for Bangladesh have never been higher. With global leaders, international organisations, and Nobel laureates in attendance, the conference could represent a pivotal moment for countries most affected by climate change, including Bangladesh.
With the newly proposed New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), Azerbaijan will set the stage to steer negotiations toward greater ambition, inclusivity, and implementation more in line with the ideals of climate justice; a sharp contrast to the previous $100 billion annual pledge that developed nations failed to meet in 2020 and 2021. This new target aims to better reflect the needs of third-world countries such as Bangladesh, which are bearing the brunt of climate impacts. By strengthening ties with Western countries and aligning with their environmental agendas, Bangladesh has a unique opportunity to access increased financial resources through international mechanisms such as the IMF and the UN’s Green Climate Fund.
Dubbed the "Truce COP," with Azerbaijan calling for a temporary global ceasefire during the conference. This symbolic gesture emphasises the underlines the importance of demilitarisation when talking about climate justice when the world’s militaries are responsible for 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A pause in hostilities could create a more conducive atmosphere for meaningful negotiations, signaling hope for tangible climate commitments.
Rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, and unpredictable flooding are forcefully displacing thousands of Bangladeshis; pushing many to urban centers like Dhaka, where they often settle in overcrowded and underserved slums. These migrants face challenges ranging from inadequate sanitation and health risks to limited economic opportunities. Rapid urbanisation due to climate migration is straining city infrastructure, leading to increased poverty, competition for resources, and heightened food insecurity.
Highlighting the plight of climate migrants at COP29 could be instrumental for Bangladesh in advocating for international support. With Western countries increasingly recognising the humanitarian consequences of climate change, there is a window of opportunity to secure funding and partnerships that address both the root causes and effects of climate displacement. Efforts to bolster coastal defenses, support sustainable rural livelihoods, and enhance urban resilience can be strengthened through targeted international aid.
Bangladesh's climate narrative at COP29 is likely to be significantly shaped by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Known globally for his work in social business and poverty alleviation, Dr. Yunus’s advocacy for inclusive development aligns perfectly with COP29’s goals of ambitious and inclusive climate action. His presence at the conference is expected to draw considerable attention, as he is one of the few Nobel laureates actively involved in state leadership. At past international forums, Dr. Yunus has emphasised the need for socially driven climate solutions, with Bangladesh’s primary objectives at COP29 this year likely revolving around accessing greater climate finance, securing technology transfers, and building international partnerships to support its climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. By focusing on the needs of vulnerable communities, including those displaced by climate change, Bangladesh can position itself as a leading voice for equitable climate action. This aligns with the West's growing support for inclusive climate solutions that address the challenges of developing countries.
As COP29 draws nearer, the conference's discussions and outcomes will shape global climate policy for years to come. Bangladesh’s challenge is to integrate the broad ambitions of global leaders with the local realities of its vulnerable populations, particularly the coastal and char communities. Strengthening collaboration with Western partners can open doors to greater investment in sustainable projects in Bangladesh. For instance, investment in renewable energy initiatives, urban planning, and adaptive agriculture could significantly reduce the risk of future displacement from climate impacts.
By aligning its objectives with global climate targets and leveraging the platform provided by international figures like Dr. Yunus, Bangladesh stands a chance to not only secure crucial funding but also to influence the broader narrative around climate justice, making it a model for other nations struggling with similar climate-induced challenges.
As the world gathers in Baku, the outcomes of COP29 will echo far beyond Azerbaijan’s borders, carrying implications for the most vulnerable communities, from the coastal areas of Bangladesh to the urban slums of its sprawling cities.
The writer is a Development Professional. He could be reached at: [email protected].
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