Climate change represents one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, primarily driven by the increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from human activities.
The primary driver of climate change is the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, primarily from human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes.
As of the IPCC report 2022 estimates, global greenhouse gas emissions reached approximately 57.4 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent (GtCO₂e) in 2019, with carbon dioxide (CO₂) accounting for about 42.5 Gt of this total. The primary contributors to these emissions include the energy supply sector (34 per cent), industry (24 per cent), agriculture and land use (22 per cent), transportation (15 per cent), and buildings (6 per cent).
Since the mid-20th century, GHG emissions have significantly increased, with a 44 per cent rise from 1990 to 2015 according to Climate Watch Historical GHG Emissions reports, 2020. The largest emitters globally are China, the United States, and the European Union, with China alone responsible for nearly 10 billion tonnes annually, making up over a quarter of global emissions.
Bangladesh, while being a low GHG emitter (according to World Bank report 2022, 0.4 per cent of global emissions), is one of the most vulnerable nations to climate change due to its geographical location and socio-economic challenges. The country primarily emits CO₂ from energy production, agriculture, and deforestation. In 2022, Bangladesh's total CO₂ emissions were approximately 102.10 million tonnes according to the Global Carbon Budget (2023) report. Despite its low per capita emissions, the country faces severe impacts such as rising sea levels, increased flooding, and temperature changes, which makes global action on climate change critical to its future. Although Bangladesh contributes a small fraction of global emissions, its rapidly growing population and industrialisation have led to rising emissions in recent years. The primary sources include energy production, industrial processes, agriculture, and waste management. However, the country's per capita emissions remain significantly lower than the global average.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is a landmark global accord aimed at addressing climate change. Its central goal is to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to keep it below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Signed by 196 countries, it marks a shift towards a globally coordinated effort to combat the effects of climate change. A key component of this agreement is the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are responsible for global warming. Article 6 of the Agreement provides a framework for voluntary cooperation among countries to achieve their climate goals, including mechanisms for carbon markets and emissions trading. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement provides mechanisms that allow countries to collaborate on reducing GHG emissions through market and non-market approaches. These mechanisms aim to facilitate more flexible, cost-effective strategies for countries to meet their climate targets. The article is divided into three key parts — Article 6.2 covers Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), where countries can transfer carbon credits (known as mitigation outcomes) between each other, allowing nations to meet their climate goals through the purchase of these credits. Article 6.4 represents the Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM), which enables the creation of emission reduction projects that contribute to sustainable development, with centralised oversight to ensure transparency and effectiveness. Article 6.8 denotes non-market approaches, where countries can collaborate through non-market means like technology transfer, capacity building, and other cooperative measures to achieve their climate goals.
For countries like Bangladesh, this offers a chance to access funding, technology, and expertise for implementing climate action projects while contributing to global GHG emission reductions. Article 6 presents significant opportunities for Bangladesh to access the financial resources and technology necessary for addressing the challenges of climate change. With its limited contribution to global emissions but high vulnerability, Bangladesh could benefit from international investments and carbon trading through ITMOs. Bangladesh can utilise Article 6 mechanisms to attract investments in renewable energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture projects, aligning with its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, Bangladesh may face challenges in establishing robust monitoring systems to ensure transparency and accountability in carbon trading. Additionally, concerns about climate justice remain, as the country advocates for greater responsibility from developed nations in reducing global emissions.
Addressing climate change requires urgent and coordinated global action. We can take some key strategies for moving forward to reduce GHG emissions. Shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power can significantly reduce emissions from the energy sector. Improving energy efficiency in industries, buildings, and transportation can lower energy consumption and emissions. Countries can collaborate to share technology, resources, and best practices to achieve collective climate goals. Investing in research and development of low-carbon technologies can facilitate the transition to a sustainable economy. Raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable practices among individuals and communities can drive grassroots action. Developing adaptation strategies for vulnerable regions, such as Bangladesh, can help mitigate the impacts of climate change while addressing emission reductions. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices can help reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions while enhancing food security. Increasing forest cover can act as a carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Finally, strong governmental policies and regulations, including carbon pricing and emissions trading systems, can incentivise emission reductions across various sectors.
While the challenges posed by climate change are significant, they are not insurmountable. The path to mitigating climate change requires a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, policy, and community engagement. Through concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changing climatic conditions, we can pave the way for a sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants. The time for action is now, and it requires the commitment of every individual, community, and nation. By working together on a global scale, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.
Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, dean, Faculty of Science, professor, Dept of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh; joint secretary, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and chairman, Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS).
