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PM-COP25-SUMMIT
Situation demands global unity against climate change: PM
MADRID, Dec 2, 2019 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged all
nations to join their hands to combat climate change to secure the children’s
future as the phenomenon emerged as an “existential threat” for every
country, exposing some of them like Bangladesh to grave dangers.
“We are possibly confronting the gravest global challenge of our time,”
the premier said addressing an event of the UN Climate Change Conference
(COP25) being held in the Spanish capital.
She added: “Our children will not forgive us if we fail to ensure their
future. Every moment, the cost of our inaction is devastating every living
person on earth. The time to act is now.”
Sheikh Hasina also feared that the situation exposed the globe to the
“most important crossroad of human history”.
The climate conference drew world leaders as it was opened today at Feria
de Madrid, the largest exhibition complex in Spain and one of the most
important venues in Europe, this morning, where the Bangladesh premier
addressed an event titled ‘Action for Survival: Vulnerable Nations’ COP25
Leaders’ Summit’ at UN Climate Change Conference (COP25). The premier said
climate change is a stark reality for the world and it has now caused
irreversible damage to the human life and environment, ecology and natural
resources.
“Since the Earth Summit in 1992, we have not been able to secure much
progress in the reduction of greenhouse gases as their emission is still on
the rise. This trend is now unsustainable for the Earth.”
“We, the vulnerable countries, suffer the most due to our limited coping
capacities and specific geographical features. We are bearing the brunt of
the damage though we made negligible or no contribution to the menace,” she
said.
Sheikh Hasina said this constitutes a serious injustice and must be
acknowledged by the global community.
The prime minister said global climate landscape has changed considerably
since the Forum first met in November 2009 in Male. Unfortunately, the
progress under the UNFCCC process is very slow and largely inadequate.
Sheikh Hasina said there is still hardly any move to support nationally
determined adaption initiatives undertaken especially by our vulnerable
countries. “Different funds created for different purposes lack from
availability of the required capital,” she said.
The prime minister said often direct and easy access to funds and
technology along with conditions and criteria seem to favour mostly the
countries that already have acquired greater capacities.
“We now have a situation where the most vulnerable countries, which deserve
the highest level of priority, are failing to access whatever support that is
being realised,” she said.
She said creation of a new Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and V20 Trust
Fund and possibility of having a new Special Rapporteur on climate change
would be great success.
MORE/SH/RY/1635 hrs