Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced that Bangladesh needs a substantial investment of USD 116.8 billion to implement its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) plan for reducing carbon emissions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the plan outlines a requirement of USD 25.95 billion for unconditional investments and USD 90.23 billion for conditional investments. Rizwana, who also serves as the Adviser of the Ministry of Water Resources, shared these insights during her speech as the Chief Guest at the ‘Validation Workshop on the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0)’ hosted at the Department of Environment (DoE) in Agargaon, as per a PID release.
The NDC 3.0 aims to lower CO2 equivalent emissions by 84.92 million tonnes by 2035, consisting of 26.7 million tonnes (6.39%) unconditionally and 58.2 million tonnes (13.91%) conditionally. Rizwana highlighted that the plan represents not only a commitment to reducing emissions but also a dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable future.
She underscored the importance of engaging women, children, elderly people, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and climate migrants, advocating for rights-based climate actions to ensure inclusivity. Rizwana also emphasized the significant role the youth can play in achieving a climate-resilient Bangladesh through renewable energy initiatives, green entrepreneurship, research, and awareness programs.
Furthermore, she stressed the necessity for climate resilience and environmental friendliness in the health, water and sanitation, education, food security, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors. Integrating climate education and green skills into the national curriculum was also highlighted as crucial to preparing the younger generation for future climate challenges.
On transitioning to renewable energy, the Adviser emphasized a “Just Transition,” which involves retraining workers, supporting small entrepreneurs, and ensuring the participation of vulnerable communities. She advocated for the collective efforts of the government, development partners, private sector, researchers, and civil society to build a sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient Bangladesh.
The event also featured speeches from Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Mohammad Navid Shafiullah, Additional Secretary (Climate Change). DoE Director General Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman chaired the session, while Joint Secretary Dharitri Kumar moderated. Representatives from various national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations participated in the open discussion session.