[🇧🇩] Save the Rivers/Forests/Hills-----Save the Environment

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How carbon markets can drive Bangladesh’s green transition

Bangladesh’s readiness will dictate how it will fare in the new carbon market regime.

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How carbon markets can drive Bangladesh’s green transition

International carbon markets may incentivise the quick deployment of energy-efficient and non-fired brick technologies. FILE PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

With the flow of international climate finance still slow, carbon markets, supported by results-based finance, will likely pave the way for developing and least developed countries to incentivise emission reductions. The approval of Article 6 at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku, Azerbaijan, has finally laid the foundation for a global carbon market.

Article 6 defines two market-based approaches under Article 6.2 and Article 6.4. The former allows direct country-to-country carbon trading, known as the Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). ITMOs may contribute to a country's mitigation target under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while the other country will receive revenue against the sold ITMOs.

Article 6.4, also known as the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), is a centralised and stringent carbon market framework, which a supervisory body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will regulate. A host country may implement clean energy and environment-friendly projects, register these with the UNFCCC, and sell the verified emission reductions to another country seeking carbon credits to meet its mitigation target. Article 6.4 will allow both countries and companies to participate in trading.

This article will further assess the eligibility of the transition of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which has been the UNFCCC-administered carbon trading instrument between developing and developed countries since 2006.

As CDM is the largest project-based carbon crediting programme, different countries will now build on their experience with it to utilise it in carbon markets under Article 6. While some countries largely benefited from CDM projects, Bangladesh has enjoyed limited success. The country needs to prepare, drawing lessons from the CDM era, and undertake measures for readiness to develop suitable mitigation projects for swiftly tapping the opportunities of carbon markets.

Moreover, Bangladesh's apparel sector may buy carbon credits under Article 6.4 to meet its goal for emission reductions beyond what it can achieve by implementing measures locally.

Bangladesh's lacklustre performance in the CDM

As of December 2023, 99 host countries (least developed, developing, and small island countries) registered 7,841 CDM project activities. The UNFCCC issued 2,357 million Certified Emission Reductions (CERs).

Notably, 10 of the 99 host countries registered more than 87 percent of CDM projects, while China and India combined registered 69.5 percent. However, China benefited the most as its projects generated more than 50 percent of the CERs issued by the UNFCCC. Projects in India, Brazil and the Republic of Korea, which delivered around 30 percent of the CERs, were behind China.

Sources: UNFCCC CDM Project Activities; IEEFA’s Analysis

On the contrary, Bangladesh could register 10 CDM projects, resulting in a paltry 1.26 million tonnes of CERs, representing only 0.53 percent of the total issuance till December 2023. While Bangladesh has also registered 11 CDM Programme of Activities (POAs), to date, only around half of them have generated CERs.

Such a lacklustre performance in registering the CDM projects can, at best, be described as a lack of capacity in, among other things, establishing the baseline emissions and writing the project design document (PDD), following the suitable methodologies approved by the UNFCCC. By the time a few people developed the capacity to establish baseline emissions, write PDDs and complete the project cycle until the issuance of CERs, the CDM market collapsed. Prices crashed to $0.65/CER in 2012 against a lucrative price of more than $30/CER in 2008, owing to unsold CERs due to oversupply and lack of demand. Prices stayed low for carbon credits and were less than avoided even for most of the period between 2021 and 2024. Buyers attribute this to a lack of high-quality carbon credit projects. Therefore, many potential local project developers lost their intrinsic motivation to pursue CDM projects.

Lessons from CDM projects

Bangladesh's readiness will dictate how it will fare in the new carbon market regime. The country should decide on, among other things, the potential role of Article 6. Building on its limited experience with CDM, the country should design targeted programmes to develop the capacity of professionals and organisations to implement high-quality greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation projects swiftly.

Furthermore, it should develop policy and regulatory processes to expedite the implementation of projects under Articles 6.2 and 6.4.

The Department of Environment (DoE), which is Bangladesh's designated national authority (DNA) to the UNFCCC, may help in designing and facilitating the country's readiness programme for carbon markets to develop the technical capacity of stakeholders in designing, implementing and monitoring projects. The DoE would also need to establish a national registry and accounting mechanism for the ITMOs to avoid double counting. Bangladesh should highlight its strong commitment to utilise carbon markets to stakeholders, including the private sector.

How Article 6 can benefit Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces challenges in expanding renewable energy, enhancing energy efficiency, and mitigating pollution from sectors like brick and household cooking. Article 6-driven carbon markets present a significant opportunity for the country by creating an additional revenue stream for projects and increasing their commercial viability.

Potential projects for carbon markets

The brick kiln sector, one of the country's largest sources of GHG emissions, will emit 23.98 million tonnes of CO2 in 2030 under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. Transitioning to energy-efficient and non-fired brick technologies will drastically cut the sector's CO2 emissions and improve air quality in adjacent areas, but upscaling these expensive technologies will require incentives. International carbon markets may incentivise the quick deployment of these technologies.

The National Action Plan for Clean Cooking shows the country had 29 million biomass-based inefficient cookstoves during 2019-20. Improved cookstove projects can generate considerable carbon revenues.

Bangladesh may further capitalise on carbon markets to promote renewable energy technologies, including battery storage, both in utility-scale and rooftop segments, which under the BAU scenario shows a sluggish trend. Innovative solutions, such as replacing gas boilers with electric ones or heat pumps, can also deliver additional carbon revenue.

Among other things, municipal waste to energy and leakage reduction in the gas distribution systems will likely qualify for carbon revenue.

The apparel industry, which has committed to reducing 30 percent of its GHG emissions by 2030, may consider a combination of approaches—implementing projects locally for part of the mitigation and purchasing the remainder from high-quality projects implemented elsewhere under Article 6.4.

While carbon markets under Article 6 echo the promises that CDM initially showed, Bangladesh needs a clear-sighted approach to benefit from it. This approach should include designing and implementing a readiness programme for carbon markets to develop the capacity of key stakeholders and bridge the knowledge gap. The major stakeholders will then determine which projects to prioritise. However, unclear or poorly defined priorities may limit Bangladesh's success in the new carbon market regime.

Shafiqul Alam is lead energy analyst for Bangladesh at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).​

 

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Climate change and fire risks: Lessons from Southern California for Bangladesh

The 2025 wildfires in Southern California underscored the importance of having well-trained firefighting teams and readily available resources for rapid response.

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Climate change and fire risks: Lessons from Southern California for Bangladesh

The alarming rise in global temperatures has been directly linked to a surge in the frequency and intensity of wildfires. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

Addressing the intricate relationship between fire incidents and climate change is increasingly crucial, particularly in vulnerable regions like Bangladesh, which faces escalating threats from climate-related events. The alarming rise in global temperatures has been directly linked to a surge in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, illustrating a clear connection between climate instability and fire risks. For instance, the devastating wildfires that swept through Southern California in 2025 serve as a stark reminder of how prolonged drought, extreme heat, and strong winds can combine to create catastrophic fire conditions. These events not only result in the significant destruction of homes and ecosystems but also highlight the urgent need for countries like Bangladesh to understand and prepare for similar outcomes.

As climate change continues to unravel, the impacts become more pronounced, particularly through altered weather patterns that exacerbate fire risks. Rising temperatures lead to prolonged dry spells, which, in turn, dry out vegetation and increase flammability, creating an environment conducive to fire outbreaks. The 2025 Southern California wildfires exemplified how erratic precipitation, coupled with extreme heat, can generate conditions ripe for wildfires, resulting in extensive property and wildlife losses. These patterns are not unique to California; they are increasingly relevant to Bangladesh, where altered rainfall and rising temperatures threaten local ecosystems and agricultural productivity, both of which are vital for food security and economic stability. Other factors, such as rapid urbanisation, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices, could exacerbate this growing threat.

The catastrophic experiences from Southern California serve as a cautionary tale; communities that lacked preparedness faced devastating losses. Similarly, many rural communities in Bangladesh are ill-equipped to handle fire outbreaks, hindered by socio-economic vulnerabilities and limited resources. Effective fire management is further complicated by numerous challenges that Bangladesh faces, including limited resources and inadequate infrastructure. The absence of comprehensive fire management policies and trained personnel severely hampers timely responses to fire outbreaks. The 2025 wildfires in Southern California underscored the importance of having well-trained firefighting teams and readily available resources for rapid response. In contrast, Bangladesh suffers from a general lack of awareness regarding fire risks and prevention strategies, leaving communities vulnerable and emphasising an urgent need for education and capacity-building initiatives.

To enhance resilience against fire risks in the context of climate change, Bangladesh must adopt integrated disaster management strategies that encompass community engagement and education programmes aimed at raising awareness about fire prevention and response. The US has successfully implemented community-based programmes that encourage local residents to become active participants in fire prevention efforts; such initiatives could serve as valuable models for Bangladesh. Additionally, promoting sustainable land-use practices, such as agroforestry and controlled burning, can mitigate fire risks while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods. Governance plays a crucial role in addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and fire management in Bangladesh.

The wildfires in Southern California demonstrated the necessity of having clear policies and emergency response plans that can be activated during fire outbreaks. Bangladesh must strengthen its policies related to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, ensuring these policies are comprehensive and responsive to local needs. Encouraging stakeholder participation at all levels of governance can lead to more effective fire management strategies. Moreover, international collaboration is pivotal in enhancing fire management strategies in Bangladesh. Engaging with global organisations and neighbouring countries can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices in fire prevention and response. Several developed global countries often collaborate with their international partners for wildfire management, sharing technology and strategies that have proven effective; Bangladesh could greatly benefit from similar partnerships. These collaborations would strengthen Bangladesh's capacity to manage fire incidents effectively and contribute to a more resilient future in the face of climate change.

The urgency of addressing fire risks in the context of climate change in Bangladesh cannot be overstated. As the climate continues to evolve, proactive measures must be prioritised to build resilience within vulnerable communities. The lessons learned from the 2025 Southern California wildfire season, particularly the importance of preparedness, community engagement, and sustainable practices, are critical for Bangladesh. By fostering a culture of preparedness and adaptation, the country can safeguard its environment, protect livelihoods, and enhance the well-being of its people amidst an increasingly uncertain climate landscape.

To reiterate, the interconnected challenges posed by climate change and rising fire risks present a complex dilemma for Bangladesh. The need for comprehensive and integrative strategies that encompass education, policy reform, community engagement, and international cooperation is paramount. As global temperatures continue to rise, and as we witness the consequences of extreme weather patterns, Bangladesh must take proactive steps to mitigate the potential fire risks by fostering resilience at all levels of society. The experiences from regions like Southern California provide valuable lessons that can aid in shaping effective fire management strategies tailored to the unique circumstances faced by Bangladesh. Through concerted efforts in education, policy enhancement, and collaborative initiatives, the country can better prepare for the challenges posed by climate change while protecting its vulnerable communities and natural resources.

Md Ayatullah Khan is doctoral researcher in Department of Geography at Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.​

 

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Govt initiates plan to manage dog population, protect biodiversity on St Martin’s

The government has initiated measures to manage the dog population on St Martin's Island to conserve its environment and biodiversity, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan

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Govt initiates plan to manage dog population, protect biodiversity on St Martin’s

Photo: Tanvir Hossain Khan

The government has initiated measures to manage the dog population on St Martin's Island to conserve its environment and biodiversity, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said today.

Speaking as the chief guest at a session titled "Dog Population Census and KAP Survey to Conserve the Number of Olive Ridley Turtles and Ensure Biodiversity on St Martin's Island," held at the Forest Building in Agargaon, the adviser said that a master plan will be developed in collaboration with relevant government and non-government organisations.

Key speakers at the event included Amir Hossain Chowdhury, chief conservator of forests, and Md Abu Sufian, director of the Department of Livestock. Rubaiya Ahmad, founder of the animal welfare organisation Obhoyaronno, presented the keynote paper titled "Dogs of Saint Martin's Island - Their Present and Future."

In her presentation, Rubaiya outlined a phased Dog Population Management (DPM) programme set to begin in February 2025.

The first phase focuses on creating a policy framework to regulate feeding, restrict the entry of new pets, and ensure the sterilisation of household dogs.

Public awareness campaigns, particularly targeting children, will promote humane behaviour towards dogs.

Subsequent phases include spaying and neutering 50 percent of the dog population by May 2025, implementing a registered feeding programme during the monsoon, and achieving 90 percent sterilisation by November 2025.

By 2026, all female dogs on the island are expected to be spayed, with full sterilisation of the dog population anticipated by 2030.

These initiatives aim to balance biodiversity conservation with humane management of the dog population, ensuring the protection of Olive Ridley turtles and the unique ecosystem of St Martin's Island.​

 

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33m schoolchildren affected last year by climate crisis: Unicef

Children in Bangladesh were among the worst affected, with around 33 million facing multiple rounds of school closures

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33m schoolchildren affected last year by climate crisis: Unicef

Photo: Unicef

Extreme weather events, fueled by climate change, disrupted the education of at least 247 million schoolchildren across 77 countries in 2024.

Children in Bangladesh were among the worst affected, with around 33 million facing multiple rounds of school closures.

This was revealed in a first of its kind Unicef report, released yesterday, titled "Learning Interrupted: Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024". According to the report, South Asia was the most affected region.

In Bangladesh, schools were closed countrywide for around two weeks between April and May in 2024 due to nationwide heatwaves that left children at risk of dehydration and heat strokes. Subsequent disruptions happened in several districts later due to cyclone Remal, followed by intense flooding in June, which affected around 18.4 million people in the country, including 7 million children.

Sylhet was the worst-hit district, with more than 6,00,000 learners left without access to education for up to eight weeks, according to Unicef.

Khulna, Chattogram and Rangpur districts also suffered around six weeks of climate-induced school closures in 2024.

"The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events is having a knock-on effect on children's education," said Rana Flowers, Unicef representative to Bangladesh.

"Extreme temperatures and other climate hazards don't only damage schools, they affect students' concentration, memory, and mental and physical health. Prolonged school closures increase the chance of children dropping out and being married off by families to cope with economic stress," he added.

Girl children are mostly impacted, with many of them married off instead of being supported to continue education. Bangladesh ranks among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest percentage of child marriage.

Children in Bangladesh are among the most exposed and vulnerable to climate and environmental hazards according to the Unicef Children's Climate Risk Index. These disasters often exacerbate the country's "learning poverty", where one in two children cannot read at their grade level and two-thirds are unable to do basic counting after completing primary education.

Moreover, some of the brightest children have to give up on their education due to the numerous climate induced disasters.

The report noted that schools and education systems in Bangladesh are largely ill-equipped to protect students from these impacts, while financial investments in education centring climate events remain alarmingly low.

Unicef called on international climate financing institutions and donors, the private sector and the interim government to engage in policy-making and planning in this regard, prioritising the needs of children.

Several recommendations were made including accelerating financing to improve climate resilience in the education sector, ensuring children are engaged in climate decision-making, ensuring proper national climate plans -- including Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 and the National Adaptation Plan -- strengthening child-critical social services like education to be more climate-smart and disaster-resilient.

"Children in Bangladesh are at the forefront of two interconnected crises -- climate change and deepening learning poverty that threatens their survival and future. As children continue to speak up and call for urgent action on the devastating impacts of the climate crisis, decision-makers must heed their calls and place their needs at the centre of climate policies and financing plans," said Flowers.​

 

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Take urgent steps to reactivate the river commission

Why has it not been done over the past five months?

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Take urgent steps to reactivate the river commission
Why has it not been done over the past five months?

VISUAL: STAR

It is deeply concerning that the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), the so-called guardian of our rivers, remains virtually nonfunctional even though over five months have passed following the fall of the Awami League government. According to a report by Bonik Barta, the interim government revoked the appointment of its then chairman in early September. Since then, this position has remained vacant, as have other posts in the five-member commission (the tenure of the remaining members ended in August). Moreover, several key office posts including secretary and director also remain unfilled. With only a skeleton staff available to keep the lights on, the commission has virtually become a rudderless ship, totally incapable of fulfilling its mandate to prevent river encroachment and pollution.

This is particularly alarming given how—despite there being a non-political government in place and a well-known environmentalist at the helm of the environment ministry—degradation of rivers continues unchecked. The NRCC is supposed to play a leading role in this fight. Established in 2014 following a High Court ruling that granted rivers the status of "living entities," it is supposed to coordinate with all relevant institutions to guide state efforts against any encroachment or pollution, and bring those responsible to book. Unfortunately, even a fully-staffed NRCC could not live up to that expectation, due partly to its lack of power and independence and partly to the non-cooperation of other agencies.

Despite that, activists warn that the current leadership vacuum has left rivers further vulnerable, and it is already having dire consequences. Over the past five months or so, we have witnessed how new politically connected individuals came into the fray to exploit rivers for their own gain. The unchecked pollution of our waterways is another alarming issue, threatening aquatic ecosystems and public health. Despite these pressing concerns, no effective steps have yet been taken to restore the commission's functionality. We, therefore, urge the government to immediately appoint a competent leadership for the NRCC and ensure it has the authority, independence, and resources necessary to carry out its mandate.​