Global Climate Strike: Youth demand immediate ending of fossil-fuel financing

Young climate activists on Friday called for an immediate end to the financing of fossil fuel-based power projects and fossil fuel financing.

They made the call during an event in front of the Jatiya Press Club as part of the Global Climate Strike. The event was jointly organised by Fridays for Future Bangladesh and YouthNet for Climate Justice.

The young voices also urged for making prioritised investments in the transition to renewable energy and mobilisation of vital climate finance as the world grapples with devastating impacts of climate change.

They pledged to end fossil fuel financing, reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuel imports, primarily liquefied natural gas (LNG), and gain access to higher climate finance.

Young advocates from 25 districts from across the country converged at the event, dressed in solemn black attire symbolising the dire consequences of the fossil fuel industry.

Eminent climate expert Prof Saleemul Huq, an adviser to the COP28 Presidency, said the climate crisis is a clear and present danger.

The world's wealthy nations bear the responsibility for climate problems, while the poor endure the brunt, he said, adding that governments must globally pressure polluters.

"We must swiftly transition to equitable and sustainable renewable energy sources, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels," Mr Huq emphatically said.

Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), expressed a view similar to Mr Huq’s.

"Defend our right to clean air, end the tyranny of toxic fossil fuels. It's time to phase them out and embrace renewable energy for a secure, clean, and equitable future," he said.

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