Bangladesh is set to receive $30 million in financing from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to bolster climate resilience, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo announced on Friday.
Speaking at a joint press briefing organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, the minister stated Bangladesh is amongst five countries initially selected for this funding.
The grant will be utilised to strengthen coastal infrastructure and expand climate-friendly agricultural practices.
The press briefing took place at 3pm local time in Press Conference Room-1, Zone D-3 of the summit’s Blue Zone.
The delegation included State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obayed Islam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam, Member of Parliament Mansura Akter, and Additional Secretary Mohammad Navid Shafiullah.
Addressing the media, Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo noted that although Bangladesh contributes less than 0.5 per cent to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains highly vulnerable to climate hazards like cyclones, floods, salinity, and heatwaves.
Citing 2026 World Meteorological Organization (WMO) data, he highlighted that global average temperatures from January to September were 1.47 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Under its Third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), the country aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 6.39 per cent unconditionally and an additional 13.92 per cent conditionally with international aid by 2035.
Measures include expanding renewable energy, rooftop solar power, tree plantation, canal restoration, early warning systems, and community adaptation initiatives.
Stressing climate finance, the minister called on developed nations to deliver promised funding. Bangladesh supported the LDC group’s demand to triple adaptation finance to $120 billion annually before 2035.
He urged simplifying access to the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, and Adaptation Fund, and expanding direct grant-based support.
Mintoo emphasised that adaptation must be implemented on the ground by accelerating the National Adaptation Plan and expanding local community initiatives.
He stressed executing the Belem Adaptation Indicators and the Belem-Addis Vision, noting international finance, technology transfer, and capacity building are essential.
On loss and damage, the minister stated that climate destruction is a present reality, calling for increased contributions to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
He advocated extending mitigation programmes beyond 2026 through 2030 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, while safeguarding workers, farmers, women, youth, and informal workers through a just transition.
Reviewing negotiations, Mintoo noted that while progress was made over the first four days, consensus on several issues is pending. Bangladesh is working with the LDC group, G-77 and China, and allies to secure a balanced outcome.
He thanked Turkey for hosting COP31 and praised Australia’s efforts presiding over negotiations.
