Bangladesh wants quick release of pledged funds to face climate risks

DHAKA: Bangladesh wants immediate release of the US$ 30 billion climate funds pledged by the developed countries at the Copenhagen Climate Summit this year, in order to help the vulnerable countries tackle adversities caused by calamitous climate change.
 
Apart from the demand, Bangladesh is going to take a strong stand for extending the timeline of the ‘Kiyoto Protocol’ to reduce the carbon emissions by the developed countries.

State Minister for Environment and Forest Dr Hasan Mahmud at a press briefing here Wednesday cleared Bangladesh‘s position to be taken at the UN Climate Change Conference.

Rich countries had earlier pledged $30 billion to help combat the impacts of climate change - of which about $4 billion has been earmarked for forestry.

Dr Hasan Mahmud said, “Bangladesh will take a strong stand at Cancun conference in reducing the carbon emission by the developed countries extending the time of the Kyoto Protocol. At the same time, Bangladesh expects an agreement on making mandatory reducing emission for the developing countries which emit higher carbon than the limit.”   

He emphasized formulating a new fund under the equal participation of all affected countries, but, sans the World Bank and World Climate Fund supervision.

The state minister also laid importance on instituting a green fund, and preparing the US$ 30 billion fund by 2012 and US$ 100 billion fund by 2030, ensuring quick disbursement among the vulnerable countries.
 
He demanded distributing new carbon emission-related technology to the developing countries like Bangladesh for free and without application of the Intellectual Property Rights Act.

At the Cancun conference, Bangladesh will also be vocal on the issues relating to reducing emission of greenhouse gases by the developed countries by 45 percent by the year 2020 and 90 percent to 95 percent by 2050.

BDST: 1700 HRS, Dec 01; 2010