Climate change to spoil poverty feat

from the Daily Star, Bangladesh

CA hopes Nobel Committee to raise the issue in world forums
Unb, Dhaka

Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said poverty alleviation is a must for lasting peace and sustainable development, but climate change is a major factor in Bangladesh that casts adverse impacts on poverty.

The head of the caretaker government made the remark when visiting Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee Ole Danbolt Mjos made a courtesy call on him at his office in the afternoon.

The CA said developing countries, particularly Bangladesh, are least responsible for climate change but worst sufferers from adversities stemming from climate change. He mentioned the back- to-back floods and cyclone 'Sidr' that wrought havoc on the country last year.

He cited a prediction that a third of the landmass of Bangladesh might go under water following sea- level rise due to global warming, blamed on greenhouse gas emission from the developed hemisphere of the world.

He said the government wants to advance by working with all, including private sector and non-governmental organisations, with the common objective of poverty alleviation and lasting peace.

The CA said adaptation and mitigation are being incorporated in the country's development strategy, which needs a lot of funds and resources. So, the world community, particularly rich countries, historically emitters of greenhouse gases, should come forward with contribution to the countries vulnerable to climate change.

He hoped that the noble committee would make aware the world forums of contributing to vulnerable countries to minimise the adversities.

The Nobel Committee chairman said bad climate newly added to poverty, which makes peace and poverty alleviation process risky.

“If you cannot fight poverty, you cannot win peace,” he was quoted as saying.

Thanking the Nobel Committee chairman for visiting Bangladesh, the CA said he can see for himself the activities of Grameen Bank, micro-credit and socioeconomic development.

Mjos said Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank are good ingredients for good things for Bangladesh that works for peace and fights against poverty.

The chairman said Grameen bank's role in women empowerment is remarkable.

Referring to the day of announcement of winning Nobel Prize by Prof Yunus, the CA said it was the great moment in the history of Bangladesh when people of the country burst into joy. Achieving the prestigious prize is a pride for the nation.

Nobel laureate Prof Yunus, who was present at the meeting, said it is the time now, not tomorrow, world community, particularly developed countries, should come forward in reducing the adversities of climate change, coming up with specific modalities as the year 2050 is far long.

Nobel Committee Chairman Mjos said Nobel prize enhances prestige, visibility and credibility of Nobel winner as well as encourages further carrying out his or her work for making contribution to people and the world.

Link to full article. May expire in future.