Tarique calls for stronger global action against sea-level rise

Bangladesh plans to dig around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years, advance the Padma Barrage initiative, modernise the Teesta Barrage under a master plan and plant 250 million trees

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for faster global emissions cuts, predictable climate finance and stronger international cooperation to help vulnerable countries tackle the impacts of rising sea levels.

Speaking at a United Nations High-Level Meeting on Sea-Level Rise in New York on Thursday, he said Bangladesh, as an active delta with hundreds of rivers flowing into the sea, faces serious risks from sea-level rise.

Citing a World Bank estimate, Tarique said a 25-centimetre rise in sea level by 2050 could submerge around 4% of Bangladesh’s land, potentially affecting the homes, livelihoods and dignity of about 10 million people.

“Despite limited resources, we are doing our best to delay such a disastrous future,” he said, highlighting Bangladesh’s early-warning systems, cyclone preparedness and coastal protection measures.

He said Bangladesh plans to dig around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years, advance the Padma Barrage initiative, modernise the Teesta Barrage under a master plan and plant 250 million trees.

The prime minister also outlined Bangladesh’s green-growth initiatives, including a target of at least 20% renewable electricity by 2030, with emphasis on solar power. The government is also promoting green industries and eco-friendly transport, developing a national carbon market and strengthening protection of forests, wetlands and vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

“Adaptation measures alone are not enough to address these effects,” Tarique said, stressing the need to reduce global carbon emissions by changing consumption patterns.

He called for four urgent actions: deeper and fairer global emissions cuts to keep the 1.5°C target within reach; predictable and accessible adaptation finance for climate-vulnerable countries; wider access to climate-smart technologies, data and early-warning systems; and stronger international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement, loss and damage.

“Vulnerable countries like Bangladesh cannot face the grave consequences of sea-level rise alone,” he said, calling for increased global support and assistance.

“The sea is rising fast. Our ambition must rise faster. We must act now to safeguard our future and the future of generations to come,” Tarique said.

He expressed hope that countries would turn the commitments in the declaration into concrete action and ensure that no nation is left behind in the face of rising sea levels.