PM urges faster global action as sea level threatens 10m Bangladeshis

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (24 September) called for faster and deeper cuts in global emissions and greater international support for climate-vulnerable countries, warning that a 25-centimetre rise in sea level could submerge around 4% of Bangladesh's land and affect about 10 million people by 2050.

While addressing an event titled "High-level Meeting to Address the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-Level Rise" at the UN Headquarters, he also proposed four urgent actions to address the impacts of sea-level rise.

"Vulnerable countries like Bangladesh cannot face the grave consequences of sea-level rise alone. Global support and assistance are needed to redouble our efforts. We, therefore, call for four urgent actions," Tarique Rahman said.

First, he called for faster, deeper and fairer cuts in global emissions to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius target within reach.

Second, the prime minister urged the international community to ensure predictable and accessible climate finance for vulnerable countries.

Third, he stressed the need for greater access to climate-smart technologies, data and early-warning systems for vulnerable coastal nations.

Finally, Tarique Rahman urged stronger international cooperation to address climate-induced displacement, loss and damage, and to ensure dignified pathways for communities displaced by sea-level rise.

Citing a World Bank estimate, he said a 25-centimetre sea-level rise by 2050 could result in the loss of homes, livelihoods and human dignity for around 10 million Bangladeshis.

The prime minister said Bangladesh, an active delta where hundreds of rivers meet the sea, has a future closely tied to its coast and is already taking measures to delay the impacts of sea-level rise despite its limited resources.

Bangladesh has built early-warning systems, strengthened cyclone preparedness and invested in coastal protection, he said.

Tarique Rahman said the country is also taking ambitious steps to strengthen climate resilience, including plans to excavate around 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years.

He said Bangladesh is advancing the Padma Barrage initiative to retain and reserve water, modernising the Teesta Barrage under a master plan and planning to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.

At the same time, the prime minister said Bangladesh is pursuing green growth, targeting at least 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with emphasis on solar power.

The country is also promoting green industries and eco-friendly transport, developing a national carbon market and strengthening the protection of forests, wetlands and vulnerable coastal ecosystems, he said.

Tarique Rahman said adaptation measures alone will not be enough to address the effects of sea-level rise.

"The ocean reacts to every tonne of carbon the world releases," he said, stressing the need to rethink consumption patterns and reduce carbon emissions.

"The sea is rising fast. Our ambition must rise faster. We must act now to safeguard our future and the future of generations to come," the Prime Minister said.

He expressed hope that countries will work together to turn the commitments in the declaration into action and ensure that no nation is left behind to face the rising tide.

"Let our resolve rise with the sea, and let our action rise even faster," Tarique Rahman said.

The high-level meeting was held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly with the participation of heads of government and state and representatives of relevant international organisations.