CoP 28: CSOs demand strong govt stance on achieving 1.5-degree temperature goal

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in a seminar demanded that the government has a strong position for a realistic NDC [National Determined Contribution] from the big emitters to achieve the 1.5-degree temperature goal in the upcoming CoP 28 [Conference of the Parties] global climate conference. 

They also advised the government to demand a stand-alone L&D Fund to manage the losses due to the impact of climate change, according to a media release.

The seminar was organised by COAST foundation, An Organization for Socio-Economic Development [AOSED], Climate Action Network, South Asia-Bangladesh [CANSA-BD], Centre for Participatory Research & Development [CPRD] Coastal Development Partnership [CDP], Centre for Sustainable Rural Livelihood [CSRL], Equity and Justice Working Group, Bangladesh [EquityBD]), LEDERS, LDC Watch and moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury of EquityBD.

Dr. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed, Chairman- Dhaka School of Economics chaired the event and the Chief Guest was Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Member of Parliament (MP), Special Envoy to the Prime Minister for Climate Change.

Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary, MP attended the seminar as special guest.

Among others, Ziaul Haque and Mirza Shawkat Ali, Directors, Department of Environment [DoE], Sharif Jamil, Water Keepers-BD, Md. Shamsuddoha of CPRD, Fazle Rabbi Sadeki Ahmed of PKSF, Ziaul Hoque Mukta of CSRL, M. Ahsanul Wahed of MJF, Rabeya Begum, Chair-CANSA-BD, Afsari Begum of Concern Worldwide, and many others spoke at the event. Aminul Hoque from EquityBD presented the key notes of the seminar.

Speaking on the occasion, Aminul Hoque emphasised the significance of CoP 28, noting its role in the first global stock take on Paris Agreement progress and highlighted failures in achieving targets.

He criticised developed countries for their role in risking the 1.5-degree and finance goals, condemning the USA and allies for not reaching a common position on the L&D Fund.

Hoque provided recommendations for the government negotiation team: 1) Big emitters should revise NDCs for a "Zero Emission" target by 2050, prioritising 1.5-degree over "Net Zero." 2) Advocate strongly for a stand-alone L&D fund in CoP 28. 3) Design a non-debt instrument for the New Climate finance architecture, prioritising grants, highly concessional finance, and CBDR&RC for MVCs in the fight against climate change.

Saber Hossen Chowdhury underscored the deficiencies in the current UNFCCC process, noting its inability to facilitate vital decisions if opposed by a single country, the release said.

He urged a concentrated effort to reform the process, pointing out that the prevailing conditions are leading to a deepening crisis and diminishing success.

With the upcoming CoP holding significant importance, especially with the Global Stock Take (GST) focusing on the 1.5-degree target, he emphasised the need for a targeted approach based on updated scientific understanding.

Barrister Shamim Haider painted a stark picture of global climate negotiations, describing it as a sinking ship with limited prospects for substantial outcomes.

The challenge, as he sees it, lies in the ineffective presentation of issues at CoP, necessitating thorough preparation in the form of a vulnerability assessment and a climate finance model that can garner expected acceptance from the global community.

Ziaul Hoque Director-DoE advocated for country-driven climate action over legally binding options, emphasising the reduction of GHG emissions.

Fazle Rabbi Sadeki highlighted the issue of climate funds for adaptation coming as loans, creating a debt trap for LDCs. Sharif Jamil stressed the need to combat global north emitters while safeguarding national interests.

Ziaul Hoque Mukta and others demanded a new climate regime and parliamentary approval for the Paris Agreement, the release added.