WORLD WORLDWIDE BANGLADESH - news journal UPDATE - (en) Bangladesh BASF: One of the most climate-vulnerable countries (ca, de, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

 Bangladesh, as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally,

faces significant challenges due to climate change. Political decisions
play a crucial role in either mitigating or exacerbating these risks.
Recent policy choices and international engagements have had profound
impacts on the country's climate resilience. ---- Energy Policies and
Climate Risks ---- The nation's energy strategy heavily influences its
environmental trajectory. The Matarbari Power Plant, a 1,200 megawatt
coal-fired facility under construction in Cox's Bazar District,
exemplifies this impact. Despite receiving over $2.4 billion in climate
change financing from Japan, the plant has faced operational challenges,
including a shutdown in November 2024 due to coal shortages. This
reliance on coal-fired power not only contributes to greenhouse gas
emissions but also raises concerns about the sustainability and
environmental implications of such energy projects.

Conversely, Bangladesh has made strides in renewable energy. As of 2024,
the country generated 459 megawatts from ten solar power plants, with
the Teesta 200MW Solar Park in Gaibandha, launched in 2023, being the
largest. Studies indicate that Bangladesh has a solar power potential of
50,174 megawatts, which could meet approximately 80% of the projected
2041 energy demand of 60,000 megawatts. However, realizing this
potential requires consistent political commitment and investment in
renewable infrastructure.

International Relations and Energy Security

Political decisions in neighboring countries also impact Bangladesh's
climate resilience. In August 2024, Summit Group, a major Bangladeshi
utility, reconsidered its agreements to import renewable power from
India following India's policy amendment allowing exclusive power
exporters to sell domestically. This shift necessitated a reassessment
of investments and risk assumptions for transmission infrastructure in
Bangladesh, highlighting the vulnerability of cross-border energy
dependencies.

Climate Adaptation Initiatives

Recognizing the pressing need for climate adaptation, Bangladesh has
undertaken several initiatives. The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100,
formulated in 2018, is a comprehensive development plan focusing on
economic growth, environmental conservation, and enhanced climate
resilience. Additionally, the National Adaptation Programme of Action
(NAPA) outlines priority projects aimed at building resilience against
climate impacts, emphasizing agriculture, water resources, health,
coastal zones, and infrastructure.

In December 2021, the government introduced the Digital Risk Information
Platform (DRIP), an automated tool developed to assess disaster risks in
development projects across all 64 districts. This initiative aims to
ensure that new projects are resilient to climate impacts, thereby
safeguarding public investments and communities.

International Advocacy and Support

Bangladesh's leadership has been vocal on the international stage
regarding climate justice. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, during the UN
climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, criticized wealthy nations for their
significant contributions to global warming and urged them to provide
necessary funds to combat the climate crisis. This advocacy underscores
the nation's stance on the responsibilities of developed countries in
addressing climate change.

In alignment with these efforts, the World Bank pledged over $2 billion
in new financing for Bangladesh in the current fiscal year to support
reforms and address critical areas, including flood response, air
quality, and healthcare improvement. This commitment reflects the
international community's recognition of Bangladesh's climate challenges
and the need for collaborative solutions.

Conclusion

Political decisions, both domestic and international, significantly
influence Bangladesh's exposure to climate change risks. While strides
have been made in renewable energy adoption and climate adaptation
planning, challenges persist, particularly concerning energy policies
and regional dependencies. A concerted effort, bolstered by informed
political choices and international cooperation, is essential to steer
Bangladesh toward a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

Bangladesh AnarchoSyndicalist Federation -BASF

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