By Motaher Hossain
Bangladesh is among the countries most severely affected by climate change, despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions. Against this backdrop, the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, carries significant importance for the country. Bangladesh will use the global platform to demand stronger international support, easier access to adaptation and loss and damage funding, technology transfer and a fair transition towards environmentally sustainable energy.

At COP31, Bangladesh will call for adequate grant-based climate finance, particularly for adaptation and addressing climate-induced loss and damage. The country will emphasise increasing grants instead of imposing additional debt burdens on vulnerable developing nations. It will also demand simpler application and approval procedures to ensure that climate finance reaches affected countries and communities without unnecessary delays.

The urgency of these demands becomes clearer when considering Bangladesh's climate-related losses. Over the past two decades, climate change and associated natural disasters have had a profound impact on the country's economy, infrastructure, agriculture and people's livelihoods. Cyclones, floods, river erosion, storm surges, salinity intrusion and droughts have repeatedly damaged homes, agricultural land, crops, fisheries, roads and embankments, particularly in coastal areas.

According to a study by the Embassy of Switzerland, Bangladesh has suffered approximately US$3.72 billion in economic losses due to climate change over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, a 2025 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that around 130 million people in Bangladesh were affected by 134 natural disasters between 2000 and 2023, resulting in total economic losses of approximately US$13.6 billion.
A significant portion of these losses has affected agriculture and infrastructure. Crop failures, declining soil fertility, shortages of safe drinking water and the loss of homesteads have forced many people to change their livelihoods. River erosion has also destroyed agricultural land and household assets, contributing to growing internal displacement. These economic and social consequences highlight the urgent need for long-term investment, resilient infrastructure, locally led adaptation and international grant-based climate finance. Preventing and reducing disaster-related losses through early preparation is as important as rebuilding after disasters.

Ahead of the November 9–20 conference, Bangladesh outlined its preparations, priorities and expectations at a press briefing held at the Secretariat. At the invitation of the Turkish government, Bangladesh's Prime Minister is expected to participate in the high-level segment of the conference. His participation will provide an opportunity to present the country's national priorities, the interests of climate-vulnerable communities and the need for stronger international cooperation before global leaders.

According to the Environment Ministry, climate-induced disasters—including cyclones, floods, salinity intrusion, droughts and heatwaves—are placing people's lives, livelihoods and development at serious risk. In response, Bangladesh will prioritise climate justice and financial and technological assistance to protect vulnerable communities.

The country will seek greater financing, technology transfer and capacity-building support to implement its National Adaptation Plan and achieve tangible progress under the Global Goal on Adaptation. Particular attention will be given to water, food, health and livelihood security in coastal areas, haor wetlands, river islands and drought-prone regions. Strengthening early warning systems and expanding locally led adaptation initiatives will also be important priorities.

Addressing climate-induced loss and damage will be another major focus. Bangladesh will demand faster and easier access to grant-based financing from the Loss and Damage Fund. Climate-related losses extend beyond economic damage to include displacement, loss of livelihoods and social and cultural disruption. These non-economic losses also require new and additional financial support.

Bangladesh will also prioritise a fair and inclusive green transition across agriculture, industry, transport and energy. The country will emphasise the equitable distribution of transition costs and benefits, workers' rights, skills development and social protection. Creating decent employment opportunities for women and young people will also remain an important consideration.

Access to affordable renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, cleaner industries and environmentally friendly transport systems will feature prominently in Bangladesh's demands. The country will also seek increased financing for forest, mangrove, wetland and biodiversity conservation, alongside nature-based solutions and climate initiatives led by women and local communities.

Furthermore, Bangladesh will seek international cooperation to prevent climate-related measures from adversely affecting the exports, employment and competitiveness of developing countries.

At the conference venue, the Bangladesh government will establish a 100-square-metre pavilion to showcase the country's climate vulnerabilities, adaptation experiences, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), National Adaptation Plan, climate finance priorities, loss and damage initiatives, carbon markets and renewable energy programmes. Local community-led initiatives and experiences will also be presented to international participants. A separate jute pavilion will be established to highlight the country's jute sector and its potential.
Ultimately, Bangladesh's expectations from COP31 go beyond securing new promises and financial pledges. The country needs concrete progress in implementing existing commitments, ensuring accessible grant-based finance, facilitating technology transfer and delivering timely assistance to affected communities.

For a climate-vulnerable country like Bangladesh, the success of COP31 should be measured not by the number of commitments announced, but by how effectively international support reaches the people who need it most. Climate finance must be accessible, predictable and primarily grant-based. Above all, countries that have contributed least to the climate crisis should not be forced to bear an additional debt burden while trying to protect their people and economies from its consequences.

Motaher Hossain: Editor, Climate Journal-24
Secretary General, Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum (BCCJF)