Sustainable Development In Bangladesh: Goal 13 – Climate Action
Fabliha Afia:
INTRODUCTION
‘While the problem can sometimes seem overwhelming, we can turn things around – but we must move beyond climate talk to climate action.’ – Ted Turner
SDG 13: CLIMATE ACTION
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 is climate action. The United Nations (UN) has defined 5 Targets and 8 Indicators for SDG 13. The original texts of the Targets and Indicators are as follows:[1]
13.1 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries
13.1.3 Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national disaster risk reduction strategies
13.1.1 Number of deaths, missing persons and persons affected by disaster per 100,000 people
13.1.2 Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies
13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
13.2.1 Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food production (including a national adaptation plan, nationally determined contribution, national communication, biennial update report or other)
13.3 Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning
13.3.1 Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula
13.3.2 Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions
13.A Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation and fully operationalize the Green Climate Fund through its capitalization as soon as possible
13.A.1 Mobilized amount of United States dollars per year starting in 2020 accountable towards the $100 billion commitment
13.B Promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries and small island developing States, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities
* Acknowledging that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is the primary international, intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change.
13.B.1 Number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management, including focusing on women, youth and local and marginalized communities
DEFINITIONS, GOALS AND DATA OF THE INDICATORS ACCORDING TO SDG TRACKER
Targets specify the goals and Indicators represent the metrics by which the world aims to track whether these Targets are achieved. The Indicators can be further explained as follows:[2]
13.1.1 Definition: Indicator 13.1.1 is the number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
Indicators measured here report mortality rates, internally displaced persons, missing persons and total numbers affected by natural disasters.
Goal: By 2030 strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Bangladesh: In Bangladesh death rate from natural disasters is gradually decreasing. The annual number of deaths from all forms of natural disaster per 100,000 people in 2015 was 0.10, in 2016 it was 0.11, and in 2017 it was 0.10.
The number of internally displaced persons from natural disasters is however gradually increasing. Internally displaced persons are defined as people or groups of people who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, as a result of natural or human-made disasters and who have not crossed an international border. In 2015 the number was 531,000.00, in 2016 it was 614,000.00, and in 2017 it was 946,000.00.
13.1.2 Definition: Indicator 13.1.2 is the number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
This indicator identifies countries who have and have not adopted and implemented disaster risk management strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Goal: By 2030 strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
13.1.3 Definition: Indicator 13.1.3 is the proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national disaster risk reduction strategies.
Goal: By 2030 strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
13.2.1 Definition: Indicator 13.2.1 is the number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emissions development.
This indicator measures the number of countries signed on to multilateral agreements on climate change. Currently this indicator does not reflect the levels of operationalization or implementation of climate mitigation and adaption action.
Goal: By 2030 integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
Bangladesh: Number of parties in multilateral environmental agreements designed to address trans-boundary environmental issues is gradually increasing. In 2015 the number of global parties who signed the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was 197, and Kyoto Protocol was 193. Bangladesh is a party to UNFCCC[3] and Kyoto Protocol.[4]
13.3.1 Definition: Indicator 13.3.1 is the number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula.
Goal: By 2030 improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
13.3.2 Definition: Indicator 13.3.2 is the number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions.
Goal: By 2030 improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
13.A.1 Definition: Indicator 13.A.1 is the mobilized amount of United States dollars per year between 2020 and 2025 accountable towards the $100 billion commitment.
Goal: Implement the commitment undertaken by developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to a goal of mobilizing jointly $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources.
Bangladesh: The indicator is applicable to developed-country nations. Bangladesh is going to be recognised as a developing country. Thus the indicator is not yet applicable.
13.B.1 Definition: Indicator 13.B.1 is the number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management.
Goal: By 2030 promote mechanisms for raising capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries.
Bangladesh: Data for this indicator is not available.
CLIMATE ACTION: WHY IT MATTERS
The aim of SDG 13 is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.[5]
2019 was the second warmest year on record and the end of the warmest decade (2010- 2019) ever recorded.[6]
Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rose to new records in 2019.[7]
Climate change is affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national economies and affecting lives. Weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, and weather events are becoming more extreme.[8]
Although greenhouse gas emissions are projected to drop about 6 per cent in 2020 due to travel bans and economic slowdowns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, this improvement is only temporary. Climate change is not on pause. Once the global economy begins to recover from the pandemic, emissions are expected to return to higher levels.[9]
Saving lives and livelihoods requires urgent action to address the climate emergency.[10]
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement also aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change, through appropriate financial flows, a new technology framework and an enhanced capacity building framework.[11]
HOW IS THE GOVERNMENT ACHIEVING SDG 13
An electorate mandate of the Government is climate changes and the protection of the environment.[12] Bangladesh is at the forefront of the worst effects of climate change. The developed nations are mostly responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions, and this is the cause of global warming. Global warming is causing long-lasting changes to our climate system, which threatens irreversible consequences if all the countries do not act. The Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, is an advocate for climate change. She has urged the developed countries to uphold the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement at the UN Conference and also at COP25 in 2019.[13] In COP26, the Honourable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina will represent Bangladesh and all the most vulnerable developing countries that are members of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).[14] This is an honour for the country.
Bangladesh is a champion in disaster management. Resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters has been strengthened. Shelters have been built across the country. Houses are continuously being built for the victims of natural disasters. Initiative has also been taken to safeguard the farmers from the effects of climate disasters by provision of insurance. A fund for addressing the issues of natural disaster has also been created.[15]
Awareness, impact reduction and early warning has improved. During events of cyclone, early warning is provided and people are moved to shelters where there is real time risk. The needs of those affected by the natural disasters is also met by way of provision of food, clothes, etc.[16]
During the ongoing Covid-19, Bangladesh was hit by super-cyclone Amphan on 20 May 2020. This was the fiercest cyclone to form in the Bay of Bengal this century, and only the second super-cyclone to form in the Bay of Bengal since records began.[17] Early warning was provided and people who were at risk were moved to shelters, while maintaining social distancing. Food was provided to them. Domestic animals were also moved to the shelters.[18]
To address the impacts of natural disasters a long term plan has also been undertaken.[19]
Solar water pumps are being encouraged in agriculture in place of diesel pumps. Improved cooking burners have been distributed among villagers.[20] Investments in sustainable projects such as renewable energy, waste to energy treatment, etc. are also being made; and much more.[21]
Bangladesh is also a party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),[22] Kyoto Protocol,[23] and Paris Convention.[24] These are multilateral environmental agreements designed to address trans-boundary environmental issues.
The Government is continuously working to reduce climate change and its impacts.[25]
WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT
Companies can contribute to this SDG by decarbonizing their operations and supply chains through continuously improving energy efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint of their products, services and processes, and setting ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with climate science, as well as scaling up investment in the development of innovative low-carbon products and services. In addition, companies should build resilience in their operations, supply chains and the communities in which they operate.[26]
EXAMPLES OF KEY BUSINESS ACTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
Companies can for example:[27]
- Source all electricity the company consumes at its facilities from renewable sources – such as wind, solar or hydro – or install renewable energy generation capacity on-site.
- Retrofit the lighting systems of the company’s facilities to energy efficient LED lighting.
- Increase investment in innovation to improve the efficiency of the company’s product portfolio, thereby enabling customers to reduce their GHG emissions.
- Invest in CCS (carbon capture & storage) technology to capture emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, preventing the carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere.
- Reduce GHG emission from transport operations with abatement levers such as reducing the carbon footprint through greater fuel efficiency, local sourcing, modal shift to lower carbon modalities (e.g. air to sea freight), modular transport, improving container utilization, warehouse optimization, etc.
- Understand climate risk and build resilience into the company’s assets and supply chain.
- Expand sustainable forest management through responsible sourcing practices and product substitution.
HOW ACCESS TO INFORMATION WILL HELP
Sustainable development has 17 goals (SDGs). Each of these goals have targets and indicators. If data is collected for all the targets and indicators and regularly updated, then the system will be more organised. This will also ensure better coordination and efficiency.
Availability of information will also give a better view and make it easier to monitor the progress of the SDGs. Updated information will help to form effective strategies. This will enable better understanding of what further needs to be done to meet the SDGs.
For example, SDG 13 is climate action. The United Nations (UN) has defined 5 Targets and 8 Indicators for SDG 13. Each of the indicators will be analysed to explain how data can help form the perfect strategy and thus further help to achieve SDG 13 by 2030.
The analysis is however based on outdated information. Many developments have occurred over the years. Improvements are continuously being made to achieve SDG 13 as mentioned above. Thus updated information is required for accurate analysis.
The following analysis of SDG 13 is therefore only to exemplify how data can be used to form the perfect strategy.
The indicators of SDG 13 are as follows:
13.1.1 In Bangladesh death rate from natural disasters in 2017 was 0.10. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 0% is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 10 (1 being the best), the global target reached is 4. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be decreased in order to reach the target of 0% by 2030.
This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of decrease required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is 0.10% in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years) 0.10% in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of decrease required will be (0.10 ÷ 10 =0.01) 0.01% to reach the target of 0% by 2030.
Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such death rate is high and accordingly initiatives can be taken to decrease it.
The number of internally displaced persons from natural disasters in 2017 was 946,000.00. There is no defined target level for this indicator. Thus aiming for the best, 10,000 is the target level assumed. Then on a scale of 1 – 9 (1 being the best), the global target reached is 4. Thus from this information it can be understood that yearly the proportion should be decreased in order to reach the target of 10,000 by 2030.
This data can be further analysed to set yearly targets of the level of decrease required by a simple calculation. The difference that needs to be met is [(946,000 – 10,000 = 936,000) in (2030 – 2020 = 10 years)] 936,000 in 10 years. Thus on an average each year the level of decrease required will be (936,000 ÷ 10 = 93,600) 93,600 to reach the target of 10,000 by 2030.
Thus availability of such information according to area, district, and the overall country will give clarity. It will help to understand where such displacement is high and accordingly initiatives can be taken to decrease it.
13.1.2 Indicator 13.1.2 is the number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Data for this indicator is not available.
Availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the score of adoption and implementation of national strategies in line with Sendai framework. And accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target score, if not met.
13.1.3 Indicator 13.1.3 is the proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local disaster risk reduction strategies in line with national disaster risk reduction strategies. Data for this indicator is not available.
Availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand the number of local governments that adopt disaster risk reduction strategies. And accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target level, if not met.
13.2.1 Bangladesh is a party to UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol. Thus from this information it can be understood that Bangladesh meets the target and the status should be maintained.
13.3.1 Indicator 13.3.1 is the number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula. Data for this indicator is not available.
Availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning has been integrated into primary, secondary and tertiary curricula. And accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.
13.3.2 Indicator 13.3.2 is the number of countries that have communicated the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions. Data for this indicator is not available.
Availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether the strengthening of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and development actions has been communicated. And accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.
13.A.1 Indicator 13.A.1 is applicable to developed-country parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Bangladesh is going to be recognised as a developing country. Thus the indicator is not yet applicable.
13.B.1 Indicator 13.B.1 is the number of least developed countries and small island developing States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-related planning and management. Data for this indicator is not available.
Availability of such information will give clarity. It will help to understand whether such support is being received. And accordingly initiatives can be taken to meet the target, if not met.
CONCLUSION:
Under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh is striving towards the achievement of sustainable development, including SDG 13. If everyone, which includes individuals, private bodies and the Government, works together and the progress continues, then SDG 13 will be achieved by 2030.
[1] UN – SDG 13 <https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg13> accessed 29 May 2020
[2] SDG Tracker <https://sdg-tracker.org/climate-change> accessed 29 May 2020
[3] UN – UNFCCC <https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVII-7&chapter=27&Temp=mtdsg3&clang=_en> accessed 29 May 2020
[4] Maruf Mallick, ‘Bangladesh ratifies Kyoto plan’ BDNews24 (17 November 2013) <https://bdnews24.com/environment/2013/11/17/bangladesh-ratifies-kyoto-plan> accessed 29 May 2020
[5] UN – SDG 13 <https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/climate-change/> accessed 29 May 2020
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 29 May 2020
[13] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 29 May 2020
[14] Saleemul Huq, ‘Bangladesh has an opportunity to be a world leader in climate change’ The Daily Star (13 May 2020) <https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/politics-climate-change/news/bangladesh-has-opportunity-be-world-leader-climate-change-1901974> accessed 29 May 2020
[15] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 29 May 2020
[16] Ibid.
[17] Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Rebecca Ratcliffe, ‘Super-cyclone Amphan hits coast of India and Bangladesh’ The Guardian (20 May 2020) <https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/20/super-cyclone-amphan-evacuations-in-india-and-bangladesh-slowed-by-virus> accessed 29 May 2020
[18] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 29 May 2020
[19] Ibid.
[20] Bangladesh on the march towards Prosperity: Election Manifesto 2018 of Bangladesh Awami League <http://www.sdg.gov.bd/public/files/upload/5c324288063ba_2_Manifesto-2018en.pdf> accessed 29 May 2020
[21] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 29 May 2020
[22] UN – UNFCCC <https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XXVII-7&chapter=27&Temp=mtdsg3&clang=_en> accessed 29 May 2020
[23] Maruf Mallick, ‘Bangladesh ratifies Kyoto plan’ BDNews24 (17 November 2013) <https://bdnews24.com/environment/2013/11/17/bangladesh-ratifies-kyoto-plan> accessed 29 May 2020
[24] WIPO – Paris Convention <https://www.wipo.int/treaties/en/ShowResults.jsp?treaty_id=2> accessed 29 May 2020
[25] Bangladesh Awami League <https://www.facebook.com/awamileague.1949> accessed 29 May 2020
[26] SDG Compass – SDG 5 <https://sdgcompass.org/sdgs/sdg-13/> accessed 30 May 2020
[27] Ibid.
Fabliha Afia : Barrister-at-Law.
