Rizwana urges global support for climate, energy shift

“Climate change is a harsh reality for Bangladesh,” she said while speaking at the launch of the Team Europe Initiative – Climate and Energy, held at the hotel InterContinental in Dhaka on Thursday.

Rizwana said that adaptation has long been a part of our lives, but the growing scale and intensity of impacts have pushed our people beyond their limits. “Portraying Bangladesh only as a ‘resilient society’ without recognizing the basic rights of its people is unjust,” she added.

The adviser mentioned that adaptation alone cannot secure survival if global mitigation commitments are not met. “If the 1.5°C target is not maintained, adaptation will not be enough for countries like Bangladesh,” she warned, urging major emitters to fulfill their responsibilities under the Paris Agreement.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s commitment to a 30 percent renewable energy target by 2030, Rizwana Hasan pointed to ongoing efforts such as rooftop solar integration, mandatory solar panels in government offices, and the exploration of wind power.

“Energy transition demands vision, technology, finance, and accountability. We need Europe’s partnership through technology transfer and affordable financing,” she said.

She also flagged pressing water security challenges, including salinity intrusion, falling groundwater levels, and stress on surface water.

Rizwana urged large-scale investments in rainwater harvesting, wetland restoration, and nature-based solutions.

Expressing optimism, Rizwana Hasan said: “Europe has always stood by Bangladesh. We believe this spirit will continue under the Team Europe Initiative, ensuring shared responsibility in addressing climate and energy challenges.”

EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller, German Ambassador Dr. Rüdiger Lotz and Diana Acconcia, Director for International Affairs and Climate Finance, European Commission, Joris van Bommel, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, along with European representatives, climate experts, and youth activists, were also present, reports UNB.