Govt has issues to shore up to ensure climate governance – New Age BD

Report on Bangladesh’s Climate Action Strategy and Governance Challenges

Executive Summary

This report analyses Bangladesh’s position ahead of the COP30 climate conference, highlighting the nation’s dual challenge of seeking international climate justice while addressing significant domestic governance failures. The country’s strategy is critically linked to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). While Bangladesh advocates for global accountability, internal corruption in climate financing undermines its national resilience efforts. A successful path forward necessitates a robust commitment to institutional integrity, inclusive community-led adaptation, and effective global partnerships, as exemplified by targeted local projects.

International Advocacy and Alignment with Global Goals

Climate Vulnerability and the Pursuit of SDG 13

Despite contributing less than 0.5 per cent to global carbon emissions, Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations. The escalating threats of rising sea levels, erratic flooding, and intensified cyclones directly impede progress towards SDG 13 (Climate Action) and threaten the well-being of millions. The COP30 conference serves as a critical platform for Bangladesh to articulate its grievances and advocate for decisive global action to mitigate these impacts.

Demands for Climate Justice and SDG 17 Partnerships

In line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), Bangladesh’s demands at COP30 are not appeals for aid but calls for accountability and justice from developed nations. Key demands include:

• Direct access to the established loss-and-damage fund.
• Increased and accessible financing for climate adaptation projects.
• Transfer of green technologies to support mitigation and adaptation.
• Formal recognition of climate-induced displacement and migration.

Domestic Governance Failures and a Setback for SDG 16

Misappropriation of Climate Funds

A significant obstacle to achieving national climate resilience is the failure of domestic governance, which directly contravenes the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). A recent report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) revealed a critical breakdown in accountability. The report indicates that between 2010 and 2024, over 54 per cent of funds from the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust were subject to misuse or corruption, severely hampering the country’s ability to implement effective climate action.

Systemic Corruption and Institutional Weakness

The corruption identified is systemic, undermining the effectiveness of institutions tasked with climate governance. Key issues include:

1. Politically motivated approval of projects with limited climate relevance, such as safari parks.
2. Pervasive conflicts of interest within the trust’s governing board.
3. Diversion of funds away from vulnerable communities to non-essential ventures.

This lack of transparency and accountability weakens Bangladesh’s moral and political standing in international climate negotiations.

A Model for Integrated SDG Implementation: The PRO-ACT Project

Project Overview and Objectives

The PRO-ACT Bangladesh project in Cox’s Bazar, funded by the European Union and implemented with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, offers a replicable model for effective, community-centric climate adaptation. It demonstrates a successful partnership under SDG 17, focusing on strengthening livelihoods and restoring ecosystems in a highly disaster-prone region.

Contribution to Multiple Sustainable Development Goals

The project’s inclusive design provides an integrated approach to sustainable development, contributing to several SDGs simultaneously:

• SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Enhancing food security and income through sustainable agriculture and modern aquaculture.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Prioritising the inclusion and empowerment of women in resilience-building activities.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Building local capacity for disaster preparedness and implementing tangible adaptation measures.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water) & SDG 15 (Life on Land): Promoting toxin-free fish processing and ecosystem restoration.

Recommendations for Effective Climate Governance

Strengthening Domestic Institutions and Upholding SDG 16

To credibly demand global accountability, Bangladesh must first ensure domestic integrity. The government must prioritise strengthening local climate governance in alignment with SDG 16. This requires:

• Demonstrating unyielding political will to eliminate corruption in climate financing.
• Ensuring transparent and efficient allocation of domestic and international resources.
• Implementing robust accountability mechanisms for all climate-related projects.

Fostering Inclusive and Innovative Climate Action

The path forward depends on innovation and inclusion. Future climate strategy should focus on empowering local communities, ensuring that resilience efforts are community-led and reach the most marginalised groups. Adopting models like the PRO-ACT project can ensure that climate finance translates into meaningful and sustainable outcomes on the ground, advancing the nation’s broader sustainable development agenda.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

   The article discusses issues that are directly and indirectly connected to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary focus on climate change, its impacts, and the governance surrounding it links to the following SDGs:

   • SDG 13: Climate Action: This is the central theme of the article, which discusses Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change, its demands at COP30 for climate justice, adaptation financing, and the need for effective climate action at home.
   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The article heavily emphasizes the issue of corruption and governance failure. The Transparency International Bangladesh report finding that over 54% of climate funds were misused points directly to the need for accountable and transparent institutions.
   • SDG 1: No Poverty: The article highlights that climate impacts “endanger millions of lives” and that climate resilience funds must reach “those who need it most,” connecting climate vulnerability directly to the well-being of the poor and marginalized.
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The discussion around COP30, demands for a “loss-and-damage fund,” “increased adaptation financing,” and “technology transfer” from developed nations all fall under the umbrella of global partnerships for sustainable development.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article mentions specific climate impacts like “rising seas,” “erratic flooding,” and “intensifying cyclones” that threaten communities, particularly “coastal villages from vanishing.” This relates to making human settlements resilient.
   • SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The mention of safeguarding “farmers from floods and droughts” and the PRO-ACT project’s focus on “sustainable agriculture” and “toxin-free fish processing” connects climate resilience to food security and agricultural livelihoods.
   • SDG 5: Gender Equality & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The PRO-ACT project is cited as a positive model specifically for its “focus on women, smallholding farmers and marginalised groups,” showing the importance of inclusive action in building climate resilience.
   • SDG 15: Life on Land: The article mentions the PRO-ACT project’s aim to “restore ecosystems” and the misuse of climate funds for projects like “safari parks and eco-parks,” touching upon the management of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

   Based on the article’s content, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

   • SDG 13: Climate Action

     • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. The article’s focus on adaptation financing, disaster-preparedness training, and building “real resilience” for vulnerable communities directly addresses this target.
     • Target 13.a: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties… to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually… to address the needs of developing countries. The demand for a “direct access to the loss-and-damage fund” and “increased adaptation financing” from developed nations is a call to fulfill this commitment.

   • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

     • Target 16.5: Substantially reduce corruption and bribery in all their forms. The article’s central point about the TIB report, which found “more than 54 per cent of funds for climate protection… were reportedly misused or lost to corruption,” is a direct reference to this target.
     • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. The call for Bangladesh to “restore accountability at home” and ensure “effective climate governance” aligns perfectly with this target.

   • SDG 1: No Poverty

     • Target 1.5: By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events. The article describes Bangladesh as one of the “most climate-vulnerable nations” and emphasizes that climate impacts “endanger millions of lives,” making this target highly relevant.

   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

     • Target 17.7: Promote the development, transfer, dissemination and diffusion of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries. The article explicitly states that Bangladesh will demand “technology transfer” at COP30.

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

   Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

   • Percentage of funds misused due to corruption: The article explicitly states a figure from a TIB report: “more than 54 per cent of funds for climate protection… were reportedly misused or lost to corruption.” This is a direct indicator for SDG Target 16.5 (reduce corruption).
   • Amount of climate financing mobilized and accessed: The demand for “increased adaptation financing” and “direct access to the loss-and-damage fund” implies that the amount of money received and disbursed from these funds is a key indicator of progress for SDG Target 13.a.
   • Level of national carbon emissions: The article mentions that Bangladesh contributes “less than 0.5 per cent to global carbon emissions.” While a static figure, it serves as a baseline indicator for the country’s low contribution and its argument for climate justice.
   • Inclusion of marginalized groups in projects: The praise for the PRO-ACT project’s “focus on women, smallholding farmers and marginalised groups” implies that the number or percentage of such groups included in climate adaptation projects is an indicator of inclusive action (relevant to SDG 5 and 10).
   • Number of people affected by climate-induced displacement: The demand for “recognition of climate-induced displacement” suggests that tracking the number of people displaced by climate events is a crucial, though challenging, indicator of climate impact and the need for action (relevant to SDG 1 and 11).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators (Mentioned or Implied in the Article)
   SDG 13: Climate Action	13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity. 13.a: Implement financial commitments from developed countries.	Amount of adaptation financing and loss-and-damage funds accessed; National contribution to global carbon emissions (less than 0.5%).
   SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	16.5: Substantially reduce corruption. 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions.	Percentage of climate funds misused or lost to corruption (54% cited); Existence of effective and transparent climate governance mechanisms.
   SDG 1: No Poverty	1.5: Build the resilience of the poor and reduce their vulnerability to climate-related events.	Number of people endangered by cyclones, floods, and rising seas; Number of climate-induced displaced persons.
   SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	17.7: Promote transfer of environmentally sound technologies.	Number of technology transfer agreements or initiatives implemented.
   SDG 5 & 10: Gender Equality & Reduced Inequalities	(Implied) Ensure inclusive approaches to climate action.	Percentage/number of women, smallholders, and marginalized groups included in climate resilience projects.

Source: newagebd.net