Climate change continues to be the single greatest existential threat to people in the 21st century, yet this threat is compounded many times over for vulnerable nations such as ours.

To that end, Bangladesh’s first steps toward developing a climate finance framework is encouraging and necessary. For some time now, it has been clear that we cannot wait passively for external aid and instead, we have had to design mechanisms that can mobilize domestic resources to fortify against the climate crisis. 

Rising seas, intensifying cyclones, and unpredictable rainfall patterns - this has been and will continue to be our reality, and have compelled us to innovate in financing adaptation and mitigation.

However, while we continue to do what we must, the fact remains that such a burden should never have rested solely on nations like ours in the Global South who were not responsible for the climate crisis to begin with. 

The Global North, whose industrialization has driven the climate crisis, has pledged billions in climate finance but year after year fail to deliver on that promise. The gap between rhetoric and reality remains stark. 

For countries such as ours, this shortfall means millions continue to be left exposed to disaster. Climate justice requires that wealthy nations honour their commitments, not as charity but as accountability.

Our emerging climate finance initiatives show our determination to build resilience. Sadly, this alone cannot bridge the gap between need and resources. If we are to believe those who preach global solidarity, then we must see actions that complement these lofty claims. The industrialized Global North must finally step up. Climate finance is not a favour but a moral and historical obligation.