FE Report

Experts at a national dialogue Thursday criticised that Bangladesh, one of the lowest carbon emitters, has been expending a high amount--- US $28 million to reduce carbon emission.

It is 23.26 per cent out of the country's climate change trust fund (BCCTF).

They opined that in spite of prioritising adaptation processes like food security, social protection and health or reformation of local water bodies, high amounts are expended only for 'mitigation'---which means 'reducing emission of carbon' considering global climate change terminologies.

A study, presented by climate scientist Dr Ahsan Uddin Ahmed at the dialogue revealed that the government has so far been allocated U$121 million under BCCTF of which only 16.8 per cent comprised 17 projects have been taken for food security, social protection and health issues.

The national dialogue styled "Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) Implementation and Utilization of Climate Finance Ensuring Transparency" was organised by Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad (BUP) jointly with Oxfam and EU's Climate Change Cooperation with Bangladesh, held at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU).

Dr Ahsan Ahmed praised the BCCSAP, introduced by Bangladesh, as it was one of the first climate change strategy papers in the world.

"But there is a huge gap between planning and implementation", he said.

He pointed out that 'the costs for voting Sundarbans to become one of the seven wonders' was under the mitigation projects!

However, according to the World Carbon Dioxide Emission Data by World Energy Statistics, per capita carbon emission by US, EU and China citizens are 17.67 tonnes, 7.14 tonnes and 5.83 tonnes which is only 0.36 tonnes for a Bangladeshi citizen.

Dr Ahsan Ahmed, the lone scientist from Bangladesh in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), also criticised that there has been no check and balance considering geographical distributions of the projects.

Dr Ahmed also said that we have to build our capacity to expend $10 billion in next ten years to combat climate change.

Dr M Asaduzzaman, Former Research Director, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) said the climate projects should consider the concern of the local inhabitants.

Climate expert Dr Ansarul Karim said research and survey concerned to climate change impact should be focused.

Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) Scientist Dr Md Ansar Ali proposed for reformation and reestablishment of local water bodies in cyclone and salinity affected areas for ensuring fresh water for the local people.

Farm Economist Dr Jahangir Alam emphasised agricultural research in a climate change arena which is key to sustain food security.

However, Dr Ahsan Uddin Ahmed placed a proposal for providing the climate refugees to get chances to go abroad.

M A Jalil, chairman, BUP chaired the programme while Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman, Coordinator of Bangladesh Climate Change Negotiating Team and Chairman of PKSF delivered the concluding remarks.

Dr Nilufar Banu, executive director of BUP, Oxfam Manager Monisha Biswas, among others were also present at the dialogue.