EU envoy calls on Environment Minister, discusses climate cooperation

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael 
Miller today paid a courtesy call on Environment, Forests and Climate Change 
Affairs Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo at the Secretariat in the capital.

In the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening mutual cooperation in 
addressing climate change, promoting green energy transition, and enhancing 
environmental conservation efforts.

Both sides exchanged views on a range of issues, including Green Climate Fund 
financing, climate finance mechanisms, expansion of renewable energy, carbon 
credit systems, circular economy initiatives, green energy transition, and 
preparations for COP31.

The environment minister said the government is giving high priority to 
tackling the impacts of climate change through nationwide tree plantation 
programmes, development of carbon credit systems, increased use of renewable 
energy, strengthening adaptation capacity, promoting eco-friendly 
construction blocks instead of bricks, and wildlife conservation efforts. 

He also informed that several initiatives are underway to expand solar energy 
generation across the country.

Abdul Awal Mintoo further said the government is committed to improving 
environmental management in the industrial sector, particularly by making 
Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) operations more effective in tannery 
industries in Savar and other industrial units.

The minister said least developed and developing countries, despite 
contributing relatively little to global greenhouse gas emissions, are the 
most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. 

He stressed the need for easier access to timely and adequate climate finance 
to strengthen adaptation capacity and environmental protection.

EU Ambassador Michael Miller appreciated Bangladesh's various initiatives in 
the environment and climate sectors. He expressed the European Union's 
interest in further expanding cooperation with Bangladesh in green energy 
transition and climate adaptation programmes.

He also emphasized facilitating access to climate finance, advancing policy 
reforms, and enhancing capacity for implementing innovative climate projects.

The ambassador expressed hope that cooperation and joint initiatives between 
Bangladesh and the European Union would be further strengthened in areas of 
mutual interest.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 
including the Secretary, Additional Secretary (Climate Change), and senior 
officials of the European Union delegation in Bangladesh were present at the 
meeting, reports BSS.