Bangladesh calls for fair access to climate-friendly tech, ‘fair’ energy transition at COP31 summit - Anadolu Ajansı

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called for fair access to climate-friendly technologies and a “fair” energy transition in his address to the COP31 summit in Antalya, Türkiye.

He urged countries to ensure fair access to climate-friendly technologies, support developing countries in their transition to developed economies, and accelerate the shift to renewable energy through affordable financing, skills development and a just energy transition.

He called for creating more green jobs, reducing global emissions, allocating at least 50% of international climate finance to adaptation and providing debt relief to vulnerable countries through measures such as debt-for-climate swaps.

“Climate-vulnerable countries need grants, not more loans that increase their debt,” Rahman said, calling for reliable financial support, modern technology and stronger adaptation measures.

He said climate-related losses and damage were placing a heavy burden on Bangladesh’s economy, despite the country accounting for less than 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Rahman said Bangladesh aims to meet 20% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030, with plans to develop 4,000 megawatts of solar power.

He also highlighted waste-to-energy initiatives and green industries.