The UK’s International Environment Minister conducted a virtual visit to Bangladesh on 25 August
2020. He discussed how the UK could partner and support Bangladesh
build adaptation and resilience capacity to tackle climate
change.
UK Minister of State Lord saw the impact of climate change in Bangladesh, on
agriculture, health and livelihoods, as increased flooding in
both rural and urban areas is displacing people from their homes.
The Minister discussed ways in which nature-based solutions –
working with, rather than against, nature – can help overcome
these challenges.
Bangladesh, located on the delta of three major rivers and with a
dense population, is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries
to the impacts of climate change. More than 70 percent of the
population is exposed to cyclones, and the resulting economic
impact is significant.
The UK has supported Bangladesh in its efforts to adapt to and
build resilience against climate shocks, including by giving 27
million people in the country access to early warning systems for
floods and cyclones and protecting 40,000 hectares of cultivable
land against monsoon flooding.
UK Minister of State Lord said
“Developing countries like Bangladesh are the hardest hit by
climate change. The work taking place here to help adapt to its
impacts and build resilience is an example for the world to
follow. The UK is proud to support it.
“As COP26 Presidents, we are encouraging countries to come
forward with ambitious visions to put nature-based solutions at
the heart of plans to tackle climate change.”
During his virtual visit, met with Mr
Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy
and Mineral Resources and discussed Bangladesh’s increasing
demand for reliable energy, and the potential to replace coal
with renewable energy generation.
He also met with Professor Saleemul Huq, Director, International
Centre for Climate Change and Development, which is working with
Oxford University to encourage the integration of nature-based
solutions in Bangladesh.
The British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton
Dickson said
“The climate emergency is a vital issue for the world. As COP26
and Climate Vulnerable Forum Chairs, the UK and Bangladesh have
key roles to play together in leading global efforts to tackle
it.
“I am very pleased that has met key
Bangladeshi partners in Government, the research community and
civil society. They had useful discussions to learn about how we
can work together both locally and internationally as a joint
force for good in tackling climate change, and helping the world
build back greener from the COVID pandemic.”
- Next year, the UK will host the UN climate change conference
COP26 in Glasgow with its partner Italy.
- Since 2008, UK aid funding has helped over 27 million people
in Bangladesh gain access to early warning systems for floods and
cyclones; installed 249 solar irrigation pumps serving 6,062
farmers, has protected 40,000 hectares of cultivable land against
monsoon flooding; and provided emergency assistance and recovery
support after disasters to more than 900,000 people.
- To address this year’s devastating floods in Bangladesh, UK
aid has provided £950,000 of rapid release funding to NGOs
through the START Fund. This is supporting cash assistance,
water, sanitation, hygiene, health, shelter, and search and
rescue to over 83,000 people.
- The UK is the third largest bilateral donor overall in
Bangladesh, providing more than £350 million in aid since 2018.
- Since 2011, UK aid investment globally has provided 33
million people with improved access to clean energy, including
connections to off-grid renewable energy sources, access to solar
lanterns and clean cook stoves. It has also helped 66 million
people to cope with the effects of climate change, for example by
providing training on how to grow climate-resilient crops.
