Unb, Dhaka

COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma has highlighted the importance of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, saying that it plays a significant role as a carbon sink.

During his recent visit to Bangladesh, Sharma travelled to Sundarbans and saw how natural defenses of the mangrove forest protect villages from wind speed and storm surges.

“I learnt more about how this vital carbon sink protects local communities from cyclones and storm surges. Nature is the key to keep 1.5C in reach. Preserving it must be a priority for all,” he said.

Sharma welcomed Bangladesh’s climate leadership and ambition ahead of COP26.

Bangladesh signaled a transition from coal and submitted an ambitious plan during the COP26 president’s visit.

“The next decade will be ‘make or break’ for our planet, and effective global collaboration will be vital to tackling the pressing challenges the world faces. So I am delighted to have witnessed the UK-Bangladesh climate partnership in action, and heard such positive ambition from my Bangladeshi friends,” he said.

“I am inspired by the innovative work I have seen here to address some of the worst effects of climate change, and hope that Bangladesh will continue to lead by example ahead of COP26, which is our best hope of building a brighter future.”