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Disburse climate funds quickly

PM urges developed nations

Staff Correspondent
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday lamented slow progress of climate negotiation, and the delay in disbursement of $30 bilUon pledged by the developed countries for the poor countries to combat climate change fallouts.
"Unfortunately, the provisions and mechanisms in the existing framework have failed to secure resources required for financing adaptation actions on the ground, "she said urging the advanced countries to implement the fast track disbursement of the cUmate fund.
Hasina urged this at the inaugural session of the two-day Asia Regional Conference of Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA) at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel yesterday.
Ministers and high officials of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Republic of Yemen are attending the conference, organised by Bangladesh and European Union (EU).
It is aimed at enhancing understanding among the least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) on climate change risks so that they could have a louder voice to realise their demands in the climate conference in Mexico this November.
The prime minister cautioned that the poor countries would be the worst victims of climate change if they don't stand united.
The survival of a large number of people in the southern coast of Bangladesh, most vulnerable to climate change impacts, will be at stake if the challenges are not tackled timely, she said, adding that these people are already suffering immensely following the cyclones “Sidr" in 2007 and "Aila” in 2009.
Bangladesh has allocated $100 million this fiscal year to cope with the impact of climate change keeping in view the slow progress of negotiation and desired outcome, Hasina said, adding: "We had to divert this huge amount of money, which otherwise we could have utilised in health, education, agriculture or other priority areas.
"We have to act fast. The atmospheric changes are going on while we are negotiating."
The advanced countries must not forget the fact that in the context of mitigation actions, adaptation should not be sidelined because "successful adaptation is the key to our survival," Hasina said.
Urging the small developing countries to forge a common position in the next climate change summit in Mexico this November, she said, "If we don't stand united
and raise our voice, outcomes might not be favourable for us."
Stating that small countries usually accept what the larger developing countries suggest, she said that might not be conducive to small countries' national interests. Time has come to speak up loudly and achieve a successful deal in Mexico, Hasina noted.
EU Commissioner of Climate Action Connie Hedegaard said Copenhagen has some achievements, but not binding targets for developed countries or a commitment to actions by the emerging economies.
"Here, we must continue to work very hard in the negotiations," she said, referring to EU commitment to work together with all international partners to find global and inclusive solutions to climate change challenges.
Pally Karma-Sahayak Foundation Chairman Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad in his keynote paper said the progress in establishing the promised $30 billion and reduction in carbon emission to keep temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius is moderate.
"This is frustrating. But, the only option before the world community is to come together to convert the stumbling process of the present into a success by Mexico conference to arrest the fast worsening climate change," he said.
State Minister for Environment and Forests Hasan Mahmud, head of the EU delegation to Bangladesh Dr Stefan Frowein also spoke at the session chaired by Environment Secretary Mihir Kanti Majumder.