This event was part of UK’s International Environment Minister’s virtual visit and roundtable discussion with Bangladesh to explore the opportunity for the forum to play a role in raising global ambition on adaptation and resilience at #COP26.

Date: Friday, 25 August 2020

Theme: Build adaptation and resilience to climate change

Bangladesh, located on the delta of three major rivers and with a dense population, is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. More than 70 percent of the population is exposed, and the resulting impact on agriculture, health, and livelihoods, as increased flooding in both rural and urban areas is displacing people from their homes.

On a “virtual visit” to Bangladesh on August 25, UK International Environment Minister, Lord Zac Goldsmith, discussed the need for the UK to help the country build adaptation and resilience to climate change, according to the British High Commission in Dhaka. During the meeting, the minister discussed ways in which nature-based solutions can help overcome these challenges. 

Some of the topics include Bangladesh’s increasing demand for reliable energy, and the potential to replace coal with renewable energy generation; climate vulnerability; and exploring the opportunity for the forum to play a role in raising global ambition on adaptation and resilience at COP26.

The climate emergency is a vital issue for the world. As COP26 and Climate Vulnerable Forum Chairs, the UK and Bangladesh have key roles to play together in leading global efforts to tackle it.