Saturday, May 04, 2024
The European Union (EU) is committed to supporting Bangladesh in its fight against climate vulnerability and renewable energy expansion, Charles Whiteley, the European Union (EU) ambassador and head of the delegation to Bangladesh, has said.
Talking to journalists during an interaction at The Business Post and Dainik Amader Shomoy offices in Dhaka on Monday, Whiteley highlighted the EU's €400 million renewable energy fund and expressed strong interest from EU member states in supporting the development of near-shore wind energy in Bangladesh.
“We are trying to make good on our historical burden,” he said while responding to a question, referring to the EU's role in establishing the loss and damage agreement at COP.
He also emphasised the EU's leadership in climate action and financing for both mitigation and adaptation efforts for developing countries.
Acknowledging Bangladesh's status as a “climate innocent” country, Whiteley stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes. He encouraged Bangladesh to develop climate-friendly industries to ensure a sustainable future and better access to European and international markets.
He also pointed out the responsibility of major polluting countries, regardless of their development status, to contribute to global decarbonisation efforts. He emphasised the EU's ambitious decarbonisation programme, enshrined in law, to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
"We are the only country, or maybe the only set of countries, in the world that has legally enshrined this and made it obligatory," said the ambassador, acknowledging the political backlash within the EU due to the economic costs of decarbonisation.
However, he expressed the EU's firm belief that decarbonisation is a worthwhile investment for both the planet and future economic opportunities.
Whiteley concluded by expressing confidence in the EU's role as a strong partner for Bangladesh in climate action. He pledged continued and intensified support from the EU and its member states for both mitigation and adaptation efforts in Bangladesh.
