Report on Bangladesh’s Climate Action Strategies and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: From Vulnerability to Climate Resilience

Bangladesh, a nation recognized for its high vulnerability to the impacts of global climate change, is actively transitioning towards a climate-resilient society. This transformation is being driven by a comprehensive suite of national policies, plans, and strategies designed to address climate change through adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction. These initiatives are fundamentally aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, aiming to protect citizens, ecosystems, and the national economy while building systemic resilience. The overarching policy framework directly supports the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action).

National Policy Framework for Climate Action (SDG 13)

Bangladesh has established a robust policy framework to guide its climate response. Key documents have been formulated to address both immediate needs and long-term strategic objectives, reflecting a commitment to international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the SDGs.

Foundational Strategies and Action Plans

Initial policy responses laid the groundwork for a structured approach to climate change.

• National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA): Formulated in 2005 and updated in 2009, the NAPA was an immediate response under UNFCCC guidelines, outlining 15 priority projects for capacity building and sectoral adaptation.
• Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP): Revised in 2009, the BCCSAP provides a holistic approach to risk reduction and adaptation across six thematic pillars, directly contributing to several SDGs:
  1. Food security, social protection, and health (SDG 1, SDG 2, SDG 3)
  2. Comprehensive disaster management (SDG 11, SDG 13)
  3. Infrastructure protection (SDG 9)
  4. Research and knowledge management
  5. Mitigation and low-carbon development (SDG 7, SDG 13)
  6. Capacity building and institutional strengthening (SDG 16)

The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2022: A Multi-Sectoral SDG Approach

The NAP (2022) outlines a vision for a climate-resilient nation by fostering sustainable economic growth and inclusive development. Its goals demonstrate a strong integration of various SDGs:

• Goal 1: Protection against climate-induced natural disasters (SDG 11, SDG 13).
• Goal 2: Climate-resilient agriculture for food, nutrition, and livelihood security (SDG 1, SDG 2).
• Goal 3: Development of climate-smart cities for urban resilience (SDG 11).
• Goal 4: Implementation of nature-based solutions for ecosystem conservation (SDG 14, SDG 15).
• Goal 5: Enhancing governance for integrating adaptation into local planning (SDG 16).
• Goal 6: Building transformative capacity for innovation and adaptation.

The NAP’s development process was participatory and science-based, encompassing eight primary sectors and addressing cross-cutting issues like infrastructure, water and sanitation (SDG 6), and health (SDG 3).

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for a Low-Carbon Economy

Bangladesh’s updated NDC (2021) reinforces its commitment to SDG 13 by targeting greenhouse gas emissions reductions across key sectors including energy, industry, transport, and agriculture. The commitments aim to reduce emissions by 5% unconditionally and up to 15% with international support by 2030. This strategy supports the nation’s transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy, aligning with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Integrating Social Equity and Inclusivity in Climate Response

Advancing Gender Equality (SDG 5) through Climate Policy

In alignment with the Paris Agreement and IPCC guidance, the Bangladesh Climate Change Gender Action Plan (2023) was formulated to mainstream gender considerations into all climate-related policies and interventions. This directly addresses SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by focusing on priority areas such as:

• Natural resources management (land, water, forestry).
• Resilient livelihoods for women in agriculture and fisheries.
• Gender-responsive infrastructure, including WASH and energy access.

Ensuring Inclusive Action for Vulnerable Groups

The national climate framework emphasizes the inclusion of vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups, including youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and ethnic communities. This approach embodies the core SDG principle of “Leaving No One Behind” and seeks to ensure equitable participation in the planning and implementation of local climate actions.

Implementation Challenges and the Path Forward

Institutional Capacity and Financial Mobilisation (SDG 16 & SDG 17)

Despite a strong policy framework, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in implementation. Addressing these requires a concerted focus on:

• Institutional Coordination and Capacity Building: Strengthening local government, women’s and youth groups to foster leadership and skills, which is central to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Financial Mobilisation: Securing adequate climate finance from both domestic and global sources is critical. This highlights the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), calling for enhanced support from UN agencies and development partners.

Future Outlook: COP-30 and Global SDG Synergy

The upcoming COP-30 is expected to accelerate global commitments on mitigation, adaptation, finance, and technology transfer. A key focus will be on strengthening climate governance at all levels and highlighting the urgent need for action. For Bangladesh and the global community, establishing effective links between climate actions—such as deeper emissions cuts and achieving the global goal on adaptation—and the broader implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals will be paramount for a sustainable and resilient future.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The entire article is centered on Bangladesh’s efforts to combat climate change, including adaptation, mitigation, and building resilience. It explicitly mentions policies like the National Adaptation Plan and the country’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which are core components of SDG 13.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article highlights the formulation of the “Bangladesh climate change Gender Action Plan (2023)” and emphasizes the importance of mainstreaming gender concerns into climate policies. It also notes the need to ensure the inclusion of women in the planning and implementation of local climate actions, directly linking to the goals of gender equality.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article mentions specific goals within national plans aimed at ensuring “climate-resilient agriculture for food, nutrition and livelihood security.” This directly addresses the challenge of maintaining food production and security in the face of climate change.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • One of the stated goals in the National Adaptation Plan is to create “climate-smart cities for urban resilience.” This connects to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, especially in the context of climate-related disasters.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article discusses the use of “nature-based solution for the conservation of nature” and the protection of “ecosystems, wetlands and biodiversity.” These actions are fundamental to protecting terrestrial ecosystems and halting biodiversity loss.
6. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Water resources and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) are identified as cross-cutting issues in Bangladesh’s climate adaptation strategies. The protection of water resources is a key theme in the plans discussed.
7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The text emphasizes the need for mobilizing “adequate climate finance from both domestic and global sources,” technology transfer, and institutional coordination. It also points to opportunities for “UN agencies and development partners to support the Bangladesh government,” which underscores the importance of global partnerships to achieve climate and development goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. This is the central theme of the article, evidenced by the creation of the National Adaptation Programme of Action, the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan, and the National Adaptation Plan (2022).
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article explicitly lists numerous policies and plans formulated by Bangladesh, such as the NDCs and the Delta Plan 2100, demonstrating this integration.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. The article mentions the need for “transformative capacity-building in relevant institutions” and “mobilising skilled human resources.”
   • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment to mobilize climate finance. The article highlights the challenge of “arranging adequate climate finance from both domestic and global sources.”
2. Under SDG 5 (Gender Equality):
   • Target 5.c: Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality. The formulation of the “Bangladesh climate change Gender Action Plan (2023)” is a direct example of this.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership. The article mentions the need to “ensure the inclusion and participation of the vulnerable groups,” including women, in planning and implementation.
3. Under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. This is addressed through the goal of achieving “climate-resilient agriculture for food, nutrition and livelihood security.”
4. Under SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):
   • Target 11.b: Substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters. The goal of “climate-smart cities for urban resilience” directly supports this target.
5. Under SDG 15 (Life on Land):
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. This is reflected in the goal of using “nature-based solution for the conservation of nature and well-being of the communities” and protecting “ecosystems, wetlands and biodiversity.”
6. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources. The article cites the need to arrange “adequate climate finance from both domestic and global sources.”
   • Target 17.7: Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies. The article mentions “technology transfer for climate actions” as a key focus for COP-30.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building. The need for “transformative capacity-building” and “institutional coordination” is a recurring theme.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 13 (Climate Action):
   • Indicator for Target 13.2: The existence and number of national climate change strategies and plans. The article lists several: National Adaptation Programme of Action (2005), Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (2009), National Adaptation Plan (2022), and the updated nationally determined contribution (2021).
   • Indicator for NDCs: The specific commitment to a “5 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 unconditionally and up to 10 per cent with international support” serves as a quantifiable indicator.
2. For SDG 5 (Gender Equality):
   • Indicator for Target 5.c: The existence of a legal framework to promote gender equality. The “Bangladesh climate change Gender Action Plan (2023)” is a specific policy indicator.
3. For SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):
   • Indicator for Target 2.4: The implementation of policies for resilient agriculture. The article implies progress can be measured by the successful implementation of the “climate-resilient agriculture for food, nutrition and livelihood security” goal within the National Adaptation Plan.
4. For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Indicator for Target 17.3: The amount of financial resources mobilized. While no specific figures are given, the article identifies the “mobilisation for the implementation of climate plans and strategies” as a key measure of success.
   • Indicator for Target 17.9: The level of institutional and human capacity. Progress can be measured by the successful “mobilising skilled human resources” and the “leadership and skills development of the local government, women and youth groups.”

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newagebd.net