Environment minister, EU envoy discuss climate cooperation

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo held a courtesy meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller on Tuesday at the minister’s office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation on climate change mitigation, green energy transition, and environmental protection.

During the discussions, the two sides exchanged views on issues including the Green Climate Fund, climate finance, expansion of renewable energy, carbon credits, circular economy initiatives, green energy transition, and preparations for the upcoming COP31 conference.

Minister Abdul Awal highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to tackle climate change, including tree plantation, development of carbon credit mechanisms, promotion of renewable energy, enhancing climate adaptation capacity, use of environmentally friendly blocks as alternatives to bricks, and wildlife conservation.

He also outlined efforts to expand solar power generation nationwide and to make Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) operations more effective in the Savar tannery industry and other industrial establishments to improve environmental management.

“Although least developed and developing countries contribute relatively less to global greenhouse gas emissions, they are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts,” the minister said. “Timely and easily accessible climate finance is crucial to address climate risks, strengthen adaptation capacity and protect the environment.”

EU Ambassador Michael Miller praised Bangladesh’s initiatives on environmental protection and climate action. He expressed interest in expanding cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union in green energy transition and climate adaptation.

He also emphasised the importance of facilitating access to climate finance, advancing policy reforms, and enhancing capacity for implementing innovative climate projects.

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