Rizwana urges developed countries to fulfil global commitments on climate finance

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan urged the developed countries to come forward to fulfil global commitments on climate finance.

She said that if developed nations fail to increase their contributions to combat climate change, climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh will face existential threats.

The adviser also said that Bangladesh must play a stronger role in ensuring climate justice.

She made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme titled “Road to Belem COP30: People-Led Policy – Bangladesh Position @COP30”, held on Tuesday at the Department of Environment in Dhaka.

The adviser said that the losses caused by climate change cannot be compensated with money alone. Financial aid cannot restore eroded rivers, lost biodiversity, or human security.

She stressed that environmental and climate risks must be placed at the centre of national development planning.

She said, “If we fail to embed climate justice into our development philosophy and decision-making now, future generations will face an unbearable reality. Economic growth will then no longer be humane or sustainable.

“Stopping illegal sand extraction, protecting rivers, and standing with local administrations for environmental protection – these are the true indicators of climate leadership,” she added.

Among others, ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir, Executive Director of Nature Conservation Management (NaCOM) SM Munjurul Hannan Khan, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment Sohrab Ali, Director Mirza Shawkat Ali, and Assistant Director of C3ER Roufa Khanam also spoke at the event.