PM urges stronger global action over rising sea levels in UNGA

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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for faster and deeper reductions in global emissions and increased international assistance for countries vulnerable to climate change.

Speaking at a high-level UN meeting on the threats posed by sea-level rise, he warned that a 25-centimetre rise by 2050 could submerge around 4 percent of Bangladesh’s land and affect nearly 10 million people.

Tarique proposed four urgent measures: stronger and fairer cuts in global emissions to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius target achievable, reliable climate financing for vulnerable nations, better access to climate technologies and early-warning systems, and stronger international cooperation to address climate-related displacement, loss and damage.

Citing a World Bank estimate, he said millions of Bangladeshis could lose their homes and livelihoods due to rising sea levels.

The prime minister said Bangladesh is already strengthening its climate resilience through early-warning systems, improved cyclone preparedness and coastal protection, despite limited resources.

He said the country plans to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years, advance the Padma Barrage initiative, modernise the Teesta Barrage and plant 250 million trees.

Bangladesh is also pursuing green growth, including a target to generate at least 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with a focus on solar power. Other initiatives include promoting green industries and cleaner transport, developing a national carbon market and protecting forests, wetlands and coastal ecosystems.

Tarique stressed that adaptation measures alone cannot deal with the threat of sea-level rise and called for global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and change unsustainable consumption patterns.

He urged countries to turn their climate commitments into concrete action and work together to protect vulnerable communities from the consequences of rising seas.

The meeting was held alongside the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with heads of state and government and representatives of international organisations taking part.