EU Envoy Urges Youth to Lead Climate Action

“We are your steadfast partner; in your political transition, whose success we support; in implementing your reform agenda on climate action, energy and other sectors," he said.

The Ambassador visited Khulna University and addressed students and members of the institution. 

This was the fourth in a series of workshops organised with Bangladesh youths on climate change. 

The NGO ‘Youth for NDC’s’ has had the lead in organising these events.   

Alluding to COP30, to be held in Brazil in November next, Miller drew attention to the Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs - each country’s pledge to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.  

Referring to Bangladesh’s NDC 3.0, he stressed the crucial role the young will have in shaping a sustainable future.

Bangladesh and the EU are both strong defenders of the need to stay below 1.5 degrees. 

"So let me start by restating just how much we have in common. Bangladesh is among the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, and this region in Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable to floods, cyclones and salination, disrupting lives and livelihoods," said the EU ambassador.  

He said, Europe, which was warming twice as fast as the global average, feels climate change acutely. 

“Drought, wildfires, heatstroke increasingly affect our citizens.”

Noting that the European Union, through its European Green Deal, is driving transition to a net-zero economy by 2050, Miller observed that they have turned away from fossil fuels, embracing decarbonisation and clean technology, decoupling economic growth from emissions growth. 

"Our Green Deal is our growth strategy, and we are committed to delivering on its objectives:  our strength lies in our policy predictability, our transparency and our good governance, all of which is a huge selling point for clean-tech investors and companies.”

Underlining the fact that one fifth of the world’s clean technologies are now being developed in Europe, the ambassador said that EU’s share of global emissions stood at a low 6 per cent. 

“In 2023, our greenhouse gas emissions fell by 8 per cent, bringing total reductions to 37 per cent below 1990 levels.” 

The ambassador attributed this to the shutting down of coal-fired power plants, investment in energy efficiency and a rise in the use of renewable energy. 

Reiterating that the EU is a steady and unwavering partner of Bangladesh, Miller said through the Global Gateway initiative, they are investing Euro 1.3 billion in energy efficiency, renewable energy, grid modernization and regional connectivity.

A key part of this is the Euro 350 million loan from the European Investment Bank, EIB and Euro 45 million EU grant to support solar and wind projects. 

Stating that Bangladesh is ‘not’ among the world’s largest emitters, Miller added, “I want to stress that an ambitious NDC 3.0 has the potential to do in Bangladesh what I have described for the EU: drive innovation, attract investment, and foster inclusive growth! It can provide stakeholders with clarity and stability, paving the way for much needed capital and expertise to flow.”

Calling Bangladesh’s NDC 3.0, a vision for the future, Miller underlined the significance of engaging the dynamism of modern day youth in ensuring a greener tomorrow, reports UNB. 

“Your ideas, your energy, and your innovation are vital to crafting an NDC that reflects the needs and aspirations of your generation.” 

"Climate change affects you the most, and your voices must shape the solutions," said Miller. 

The Vice Chancellor, teachers, high officials of the university were also present at the event.