Bangladesh has set a target under its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to reduce 84.92 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2035. However, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has stated that achieving this target would require $116 billion in investment.

She made these remarks on Sunday (21 September) during her keynote address at the Third National Verification Workshop on NDC 3.0, held at the Department of Environment in Agargaon, Dhaka.

• Unconditional investment refers to funds Bangladesh can access and utilise independently.
• Conditional investment depends on international support and partnerships.

Rizwana Hasan emphasised that NDC 3.0 is not merely a carbon reduction plan but a commitment to an inclusive and just future. She called for prioritising the participation of women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, marginalised indigenous communities, and climate migrants.

The adviser highlighted the importance of involving young people in climate action, stating that renewable energy projects, green entrepreneurship, research, and awareness programmes can empower the next generation to build a climate-resilient nation.

She further stressed that key sectors such as health, water and sanitation, education, food security, agriculture, and infrastructure must be made environmentally sustainable. To achieve this, it is essential to:

• Integrate climate education and green skills into the national education system.
• Ensure retraining of workers during the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
• Support small entrepreneurs and enable participation of vulnerable populations in climate initiatives.

The workshop featured both domestic and international representatives from government and non-government organisations, fostering an open dialogue on implementation strategies.

The workshop served as a platform for discussion on financial, technical, and policy measures necessary to realise Bangladesh’s NDC 3.0 commitments and achieve a low-carbon, climate-resilient future.