Millions of people across the globe are on the frontlines of a crisis they did not create. While the biggest polluters continue to pump greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, the brunt of climate change is borne by those who contribute the least, such as Bangladesh.  It was ranked 7th on the 2021 World Climate Risk Index.

This is the stark reality that underscores the urgent need for adaptation – building resilience and preparing communities to survive in a changing climate.

Against this backdrop, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Expo has stepped in, offering a platform for vulnerable countries to share experiences, accelerate adaptation efforts, and bridge the widening gap between commitments and action.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) decided to establish the NAP process in 2010 with the support of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG).

NAPs are country-driven strategies detailing how vulnerable nations will adapt to climate change. Recognising the need for knowledge exchange and collaboration, the LEG launched the first NAP Expo in 2013.

Since then, the biennial event has become a cornerstone for accelerating adaptation action. The most recent edition, NAP Expo 2024 held in Dhaka from 22 to 25 April, focused on “Driving Transformational Adaptation through National Adaptation Plans.”

Meanwhile, as a nation on the frontlines of climate change impacts, Bangladesh in 2023 unveiled a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) – a comprehensive strategy to address the ever-increasing challenges posed by the warming planet.

Climate change is already causing significant loss to Bangladesh’s economy. Its current annual GDP loss due to climate change has been estimated at 1.3%, a loss that has been predicted to rise up to 9% by 2050.

This ambitious NAP, a 27-year roadmap, aims to bolster Bangladesh’s resilience across eight key sectors: water resources, disaster management, agriculture, fisheries, urban areas and ecosystems. The plan not only prioritises environmental sustainability but also addresses issues like social equity, gender equality and disability.

The cornerstone of the NAP lies in its 23 broad-scale adaptation strategies and 113 specific interventions.

These initiatives target crucial areas like disaster risk reduction, climate-smart development, and capacity building.

By protecting 1.1 million hectares of cropland and boosting agricultural productivity, the NAP seeks to safeguard food security for millions. Additionally, it aims to enhance the climate resilience of infrastructure and urban areas, a critical step considering the growing threat of extreme weather events.

The plan also recognises the importance of healthy ecosystems and a thriving blue economy, both of which are vital for Bangladesh’s long-term prosperity.

However, implementing this ambitious plan necessitates significant financial resources. The estimated cost for the 27-year period stands at a tidy sum of BDT20,037 billion (US$230 billion).

While Bangladesh aims to mobilise an impressive 72.5% of this cost by 2040, achieving this goal hinges on increased international climate finance, private sector investment and innovative financing mechanisms.

The international community has pledged an amount of US$100 billion annually both for adaptation and mitigation. However, the reality on the ground paints a grim picture.

As of 2022, only a fraction of these pledges has actually been disbursed. This stark gap, coupled with complex bureaucratic procedures and lengthy approval processes, has created a frustrating bottleneck for vulnerable countries like Bangladesh. The urgency of the situation resonated throughout the recent NAP Expo in Dhaka.

The event saw a diverse range of participants, including representatives from over 50 countries, international organisations like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), civil society groups, and the private sector.

Key takeaways from the expo included quantity of the financial resources, funding for adaptation, quality of the fund etc.

It was envisioned that loan should not be major source of adaptation financing. In very limited cases, it might be concessional loan but not at market rate as this rate may create new debt crisis for vulnerable countries.

Vulnerable countries argued that access to adaptation funding is not charity, but a matter of climate justice as they are bearing the brunt of climate change despite contributing minimally.

The issues like the importance of overcoming lengthy bureaucratic procedures, innovative financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships, etc. were also pointed out at the event. And developed countries with expertise in adaptation technologies and strategies were called upon to play a vital role in supporting developing nations.

Stakeholders from across the globe collectively conveyed a powerful message to the international community.

The message was clear: action, not just words, is necessary for the successful implementation of National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in developing countries.

Stakeholders urged the international community to fulfil the existing climate finance pledges, streamline access to adaptation funds, invest in capacity building initiatives, and prioritise research and development of innovative climate solutions.

For Bangladesh, the successful implementation of the NAP is more than just a matter of attaining environmental sustainability. It is a question of national survival and prosperity.

Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and Bangladesh’s transformation into a high-income country by 2041 are intricately linked to the effective implementation of this plan.

Bangladesh, through its ambitious NAP, is charting a course for a more resilient future, inspiring other vulnerable nations to follow suit.

The international community must come forward and support these efforts, ensuring a collective victory in the face of climate change. However, success depends not just on domestic efforts but on a collective global commitment to adaptation. This is a fight for the survival of millions, and the time for action is now.
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The writer is Deputy Manager, Environment & Climate Change Unit, PKSF