New york: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the necessity of making the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ fully operational to protect future generations from the impacts of climate change. Addressing the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in the USA, he called for immediate action to safeguard children’s futures.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus highlighted the need for intensified efforts in climate change mitigation, stressing that adaptation must also be prioritized. He advocated for adaptation strategies that are locally determined, led, and managed, noting that Bangladesh has already adopted locally led adaptation as a key principle.
Prof Yunus announced that at the upcoming COP30 Conference, Bangladesh will present its third Nationally Determined Contribution, which will outline both mitigation targets and adaptation initiatives, with a focus on protecting mangrove forests and restoring wetlands. He urged the global community, especially high-emitting countries, to fulfill their climate responsibilities sincerely.
In addressing the climate crisis, the chief adviser acknowledged that the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius seems increasingly unattainable. He pointed out the failure to meet the annual US$ 100 billion climate finance pledge and criticized the practice of inflating disbursed amounts on paper. “This is unacceptable,” Prof Yunus remarked.