Bangladesh is prioritising a just energy transition to renewable sources while protecting existing jobs and creating new green employment opportunities as part of its efforts to tackle climate change.
The issue was highlighted as one of Bangladesh's key priorities at the ongoing 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
Dr Md Simon Parvez, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Deputy Head of the Bangladesh delegation, shared the country's priorities with journalists at the Bangladesh Pavilion on Wednesday (November 11).
He said the transition in the energy sector should not be limited to reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It must also ensure that existing workers do not lose their livelihoods and that new employment opportunities are created.
Emphasising the importance of a just energy transition for climate-vulnerable countries like Bangladesh, he highlighted the need to expand renewable energy, develop green industries and promote an environmentally sustainable economic system.
He also outlined several government plans for the next five years, including planting 250 million trees, excavating and re-excavating 20,000 kilometres of canals, improving waste management and reducing methane emissions.
Dr Parvez said Bangladesh was also advocating internationally for the rights of climate-vulnerable countries, increased grant-based climate finance and greater funding for adaptation and addressing loss and damage.
He expressed hope that the expansion of renewable energy and environmentally friendly industries would open up new opportunities for green employment and economic growth in Bangladesh.
