Today’s article is about CLIMATE DIPLOMACY: ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BANGLADESH
CLIMATE DIPLOMACY: ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BANGLADESH
ABSTRACT
Climate change has brought all-encompassing challenges to every sphere of human life. Being a lower riparian country, geographically vulnerable to climate change, Bangladesh has already started to experience various negative consequences of climate change. At the same time, being a poor developing country with excessive population, climate change has added additional repercussion. To alleviate the injury of climate change, climate diplomacy can be a good avenue for Bangladesh.
Since preservation of sovereignty and resource mobilization for economic development and welfare are the two broader objectives of Bangladesh foreign policy, we must not lose the potentiality of climate diplomacy to fulfil them in the wake of climate change where Bangladesh is facing risks in both sector of economic development and physical existentiality posed by natural calamities.
However, we cannot deny the connection between development and climate change. Often developmental process is disturbed by climate change while climate change is also a result of unhealthy development. Integrated diplomacy can play a balancing role for Bangladesh. T
his paper is an attempt to assess the current state of climate diplomacy of Bangladesh. We found the inadequacies of efforts to exploit climate change in favour of Bangladesh from international community. As a result, we have suggested a combine hybrid cooperative- proactive method to deal with emerging realities of climate change.
This paper also proposes to convert the vulnerable position of Bangladesh into prestige which would bring economic development and leadership acceptance. We also show a tripartite model to conduct climate diplomacy in international arena advancing climate regime. Finally, this paper develops few recommendations to accelerate diplomatic efforts in Bangladesh climate diplomacy.
Introduction
Bangladesh is located between 20°34′ to 26°38′ North latitude and 88°01′ to 92°42′ East longitude. It is bordered on the West, North and East by India, on the South-east by Myanmar and on the South by the Bay of Bengal.’ Bangladesh is a small country occupying only an area of 147,570 sq. km.2 It is sandwiched by its giant neighbour India while geographical position is also problematic.
It falls in Bengal basin which is filled by sediments washed from highlands, especially from Himalayas. Southern part of Bangladesh is composed of lower terrain.3 Plus the climate of Bangladesh is very diverse and unpredictable. On the other hand, Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Socio-economic condition of Bangladesh is not satisfactory.
Development is also hampered by frequent natural calamities. Bangladesh has ranked fifth among the most vulnerable countries to climate change and hunger in an Action Aid research report. Over all these peculiar features coupled with excessive population driven by poverty make Bangladesh more vulnerable to any kind of natural hazard.
Foreign policy is an integral part of a country. Otto von Bismarck defined foreign policy as, “an extension of domestic policy.” To advance foreign policy, there are different dimensions of diplomacy. Since Environmental issues are predominant and a result of cross-border activities, that is why interstate cooperation is needed to solve climate change problems. Environmental diplomacy or climate diplomacy is one of the crucial tools used after the second half of the 20th century in international relations to meet this problem.
Notably environmental issues have started to become influential global agenda after the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992. Being one of the most vulnerable countries as a result of climate change, Bangladesh needs to play a decisive role in international arena on environmental issues. We think that Bangladesh did not project its foreign policy direction efficiently what it could have done previously. So, Bangladesh needs a fresh awakening move towards climate diplomacy with the changing context of international relation dynamics.
This paper is an attempt to conceptualize current trends of Bangladesh climate diplomacy and try to construct a coherent strategy boosting the direction of Bangladesh climate diplomacy. Initially this paper starts with a conceptual framework proposal arguing hybrid cooper-proactive method for Bangladesh climate diplomacy. Second section gives a brief discussion on the effects of climate change on Bangladesh with available facts and findings.
Next section presents the core issues of climate change and potentiality of Bangladesh foreign policy to transfer its vulnerability into prestige seeking and resource mobilization. Fourth section presents a coherent multilateral approach to project effective climate diplomacy. Section five recommends some propositions to enhance the capability of Bangladesh climate diplomacy for the betterment in long run.
Finally, this paper concludes with arguing mixed cooperative-proactive strategy as an effective tool for Bangladesh climate diplomacy which ensures two broader objectives of Bangladesh foreign policy: preservation of sovereignty in terms of security and the quest for resources for development at the same time.
Conceptual Framework
All states are now well connected than ever before to each other. Interplays among states and non-state actors are very much vigilant. This complex reality bounds every state to formulate a complex code of conduct to deal with other states.
Bangladesh, a geographically vulnerable but potential in population, has to fashion a foreign policy to make sure its prosperity and solvency.5 Evidently we have some objectives in our foreign policy to gain from international arena as others states aspire. Notably Bangladesh has taken peace and cooperation as a guiding principle for its policy direction over the years since its Independence in 1971.
Even those principles of foreign policy are directed by Constitution.” Bangladesh foreign policy has seen shifts over the time with the change of governments, but its reactive policy has been continued except some remarkable events. Experts and analysts often criticize Bangladesh’s foreign policy for its sluggish condition. Even its policy has often been misguided by internal contradictions.
That is why Bangladesh has seen barely any remarkable breakthrough in its lifetime. Staggering initiatives of Bangladesh diplomacy over Rohingya humanitarian crisis is a recent example of it. Like immediate Rohingya crisis, crisis of climate change is seething more than anything. Timely action is required to handle it, otherwise cost will be high.
However, “policy” in foreign policy should be construed with special attention before going to conceptual framework. Padelford, Lincoln and Olvey define policy as, “the overall result of the process by which a state translates its broadly conceived goals and interests into specific courses of action in order to achieve its objectives and preserve its interests.” Policy can be classified further.
Reactive policy means a policy which is developed in response to a concern, problem, or emergency. It is designed to remedy problems that already exist. Proactive policy refers pre-emptive move even action before the eruption of crisis.
We suggest a nexus of cooperation and proactive diplomatic strategy in Bangladesh foreign policy for vigorous environmental diplomacy. We combine them in terms of cooperative proactive method.
However, a brief methodological discussion is given below. Primarily cooperation is central for resolving any kind of conflict in international affairs.¹ Hostile attitudes in international relations are not acceptable to actors in recent times. Negotiation is preferred to war to most of the civilized nations. So, this is not the art of war rather an art of persuasion and convincing is considered the most useful tool. Climate change uniquely requires all states irrespective of their contribution to climate change or vulnerability to climate change.
We already know a fierce division between North-South counter positions over climate change. Given this existing hostile situation, we need all parties together to solve this common problem. International organizations and forums are helping to create environmental regimes among states and non-state actors. Even few considers climate diplomacy as more about organizing all states under few norms and rules if possible.
One author defines climate diplomacy, “as the practice and process of creating the international climate change regime and ensuring its effective operation. The evolution of climate diplomacy therefore precedes and shapes the construction of the climate regime.”¹¹ Here climate regime indicates international institutional norms, procedures, activities and arrangements to deal with climate change.
Cooperative method involves a wide range of activities such as clarification of policy, clear intention on policy, exchange of views, vast communication: seeking support for an initiative, building bilateral relations or coalitions and wider negotiations. Result of this kind of policy may not be achieved instantly rather slowly but very effective in long run. For these reasons, considerable patience is needed with enough preparation to avoid diplomatic formalism and stereotypical exchange.
Cooperative method also involves diplomatic visits and ceremonial and symbolic events to strengthen targeted long-term objectives. These activities would be a part of winning hearts and minds of targeted country’s citizens. Media can be used to push forward cooperative postures of a policy.
Environmental issues have started to become a concerning issue since 1990s as already mentioned.13 Being one of the most affected countries by climate change,¹4 Bangladesh needs a new set of strategy in its foreign policy to address environmental challenges.
Traditional reactive foreign policy direction would be too insufficient to deal with since climate change issue is rapid and beyond Bangladesh’s control.15 We believe a hybrid cooperative-proactive method foreign policy model would be suitable most to secure the interest of Bangladesh.
Proactive behaviour unlike reactive behaviour aims at identification and exploitation of opportunities and in taking peremptory action against potential problems¹ and threats, whereas reactive behaviour focuses on fighting or solving a problem after its arrival.
Proactive behaviour in diplomacy also refers to an overall foreign policy orientation which seeks to expand the role, activities and influence area of a state or organization. For example, a state actor may initiate cooperative activities hoping to become a leading regional power or operate at a global level as a broker, working for ideation or problem solving and working behind the scene.” Active strategies include relatively routine actions, incremental development in relations.
Examples of incremental development are co-hosting international events, sponsoring or co-sponsoring resolutions in international environmental conferences and mediation type initiatives, etc. Using available all means, from civil society to diaspora, to cover the environment agenda internationally in favour of Bangladesh can be a way of strengthening our country’s diplomatic ground. Bangladesh should haul its reactive foreign policy direction replacing cooperative- proactive model.
Bangladesh may have resource and capability lacking to dominate high politics¹8 but it has the potentiality to influence environmental politics in the world persuading cooperative measures and active presence in international arena for the betterment of future Bangladesh.19 It would help Bangladesh materially while providing a positive image as a global climate leader.
Climate Change and Bangladesh
Geographically Bangladesh is located in the tropical region. Natural disaster is a common phenomenon in Bangladesh. It is one of the most vulnerable countries and likely to suffer adverse impacts from anthropogenic climate change.
It is also predicted that Bangladesh would be extremely affected by negative environmental changes in upcoming decades. Few parts of Bangladesh have already started to experience abrupt impacts of climate change in recent years. Higher level of temperature, tropical cyclones, river erosion, flood and waterlogging, landslides, drought, heavy rainfall, winds, sea level rise, loss of biodiversity, health and disease, environmental migration, cyclones and storm surges, lower agricultural productivity are a few of them.
However, climate change should be defined first to get into the phenomena of climate change in Bangladesh. Climate change is defined as an average weather condition of an area characterized by its own internal dynamics and by changing in external factors that affect climate.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) defines climate change as the change resulting from long term direct and indirect activities that induces changes in the compared time which are much more than the natural change.
Climate change includes temperature, rainfall and wind patterns. Geography, global air quality and sea level, tree cover, global temperatures and other factors influence the climate of an area which causes the local weather.
Weather is an overall condition of atmosphere of a given time. Basically human induced activities accelerate these changes. Consequently, Bangladesh is facing changes in its physical environment by climate change which is not caused by Bangladesh itself rather external entities are grossly responsible for.
Various statistics and researches are predicting the disappearance of Bangladesh state in future. We cannot deny all those grim reports since climate change has already posed severe danger to many countries.
By the end of the century, Bangladesh is predicted to disappear under the waves as mentioned by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted that by 2050, Bangladesh is likely to lose 17% of its land and diminishing of its 30% food production resulting massive poverty increment. 26 It would also deteriorate the state of inequality and access to basic needs.
We cannot put aside these predictions since Micronesian small island state Kiribati, a sovereign UN member, has lost its two villages, not because of outer military invasion but being submerged by the rise of sea level in the central Pacific Ocean.
So, how cannot we be worried being a lower riparian country? Recent disasters warn a horrible future of Bangladesh. Floods are very frequent in this region nowadays. Three big rivers (the Brahmaputra, the Ganges and the Meghna) bring two million tons of sediments in Bangladesh annually.
Topographically it is low and flat. Two-thirds of the country is less than 5 meters above the sea level and prone to flood, especially coastal lines. Several floods and cyclones attacked Bangladesh in recent times. For saying, 4,729 Bangladeshis died in 2007 with damage of resources worth 10 billion USD due to natural disaster Sidr. Characteristically saying, recent floods in Bangladesh show a deadlock nature over extended time period. Severity of cyclones is very high in Bangladesh.
It is common to see cyclones coming ahead to Bangladesh and part of its giant neighbouring country every year. Though, domestically Bangladesh has managed a level of community-based cyclone centres. The Emergency Cyclone Recovery & Restoration Project (ECRRP) is helping communities recover from damage caused by Cyclone Sidr through providing support for infrastructure and agricultural livelihoods.
Local Non-Governmental Organizations play a vibrant role to mitigate damages. But education³2 and health33 are disrupted along with resource damage. ICDDR- an international centre for health and population forecasted that climate change would also make people in Bangladesh vulnerable to various diseases, such as cholera, dengue, cardiovascular, respiratory diseases, and malnutrition due to food scarcity and reduction in food production.
Bangladesh has experienced hazardous health disease created by flood in previous time. Just a single example would compel us to believe these claims. 700 people were died in capital city Dhaka by flood in 1998 and 125,000 are being treated for diarrhoea according to official sources. 35 We can fairly understand the death rate and number patients who remained outside of the statics.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that global temperature will rise between 1.8 degree Celsius and 4.0 degree Celsius by the end of the 21st century. It has an alarming message for Bangladesh. Ice-melting in Himalayas and worldwide would inundate Bangladeshi coastal regions.
It will create a number of environmental refugees in Bangladesh. Who knows that there would be waves of boat migration from Bangladesh crossing the Bay of Bengal for elsewhere! By contrast, drought is very frequent in Bangladesh. Southern part of Bangladesh is under threat of sea level rise while millions of people in Northern side of Bangladesh are threatened by riverbank erosion and severe droughts in recent years.
The International Panel on Climate Change report (2007) depicts that groundwater, crop soils and many rivers are likely to become increasingly saline from higher tidal waves and storm surges as a result of climate change effects. Reduced water supplies would place additional stress on people, agriculture, and the environment as well.39 Overall state of food security will be vulnerable resulting wider starvation and hunger.
On the other hand, deforestation has become an ecological threat in Bangladesh. Sundarbans used to be a buffer in Bangladesh from cyclones but now it is being cut down at greater pace.
Alongside deforestation, massive salinity and rise of water level are posing serious threat to Sundarbans. Bangladesh is losing its buffer against natural disaster since Sundarbans is disappearing. Temperature is rising day by day because of global warming42 and this increased temperature would create twin problems for Bangladesh.43 One is flood, and another is drought.
It is beyond doubt that climate change is making Bangladesh vulnerable from its territorial sovereignty to food security and resource scarcity. Rising global warming is severe for all lower riparian countries including Bangladesh.
Regrettably developed countries are still continuing their malpractice in treating environment. Undoubtedly Bangladesh is a victim of climate change.44 But from a vulnerable position, Bangladesh has a strong moral ground to battle climate change issues in upcoming days with a proper foreign policy direction. 45
Strategic Directions for Environmental Diplomacy
This paper has already discussed the nature of Bangladesh foreign policy in conceptual understanding section. At the same time, an outline was proposed with the nexus of cooperative-proactive foreign policy direction. This section would provide how and to what extent Bangladesh can achieve a greater role in international arena by changing its climate diplomacy direction using proposed hybrid model.
From Vulnerability to Prestige Seeking
There is a felicity among outsiders and a few insiders to defame Bangladesh as a very fragile country in the world. They frame Bangladesh as one of the poverty stricken countries, least developing country, poor habited locality, etc. and famously termed a 46 basket case.
But history depicts it differently as Bengal has always been a concentrating point for foreigners because of its fertile lands and potentiality in the field of trade and commerce. After the Independence of Bangladesh in 1971, it has emerged as an independent nation in the community of the world.
Bangladesh foreign policy also has been revised over time sticking to the principle of peace and friendship but thriving for prosperity was always at front. It has always been a strong vocal to break the shackle of liabilities.
Despite quick progress, still Bangladesh has some vulnerabilities but that does not mean that it would remain as same as it is today. Even Bangladesh has taken off from its vulnerabilities in few sectors very rapidly. Notably this country has shown progress in all human development indicators not steadily but dramatically. Climate change is now posing dangers to these prospects.
Despite of rapid climate change, Bangladesh has managed to create a shield using its human capital against all odds. Disaster management capability of Bangladesh has a worldwide reputation. Local NGOs are the crucial part of this achievement of Bangladesh.
Notably BRAC and Grameen Bank have worldwide reputation for their operation at home and abroad. Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, has received the Champion of the Earth award in 2015 in recognition of Bangladesh’s far-reaching initiatives to address climate change according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Her achievement made Bangladesh more exposed to the world as one of the saviours of the environment from third world countries. Bangladesh Bank has taken the policy of green banking and award which has been praised by international communities.
It is the first moving country by taking “Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan of 2009” nationwide policy to protect environment and make strategic agenda for upcoming years. Instead of doing nothing, Bangladesh has taken vigorous steps to tackle climate change. So, it is very desirable and inevitable for Bangladesh to have external recognition on its superb initiatives on climate change.
Bangladesh is the one who almost does not pollute the environment but suffers the most. This sentiment is recognized around the world. So, Bangladesh has a good image in the world as climate change fighter.
Bangladesh can use this prestige value in its foreign policy navigation. We have to be assertive with proactive policy measures. Despite all of these strengths, Bangladesh needs aid to battle climate change since it is still economically struggling with large population. Bangladesh government has already provided huge money for various environmental initiatives currently since 2009.
But help from outside is also needed for effective planning for climate change. For this reason, Bangladesh needs to be more accommodative with counterparts to forge ahead climate change issues. We introduced cooperative-proactive method from this rational point of view. However, various seasonal disasters make Bangladesh vulnerable and pose damage to its resources repetitively. Developmental process has also been jeopardized by abrupt climate change.
But Bangladesh was successful to popularize and establish “loss and damage” principle in international environmental regime so that developed countries are legally obliged to help developing countries vulnerable to climate change.
Bangladesh embassies abroad should project Bangladesh’s environmental vulnerability in such a way that does not hamper its reputation but make sure a sizeable amount of donation for climate action. Persuasion should be done in a decent manner. Going revolutionary with conflicting parties would not be a good idea either. We must be cooperative whatever the situation is. Bangladesh is now a development brand around the world.
Bangladesh should also be careful about its development growth. We also have higher level of dependency on major parties as well. There a saying that preservation of environment policy is against development or development destroys environment.
This axiom is partly true but Bangladesh should overcome the dilemma and balance between these two contesting conceptions. Otherwise our both development and geographical existence would be at stake.
Recent Rampal electronic power plant construction near Sundarbans has been criticized home and abroad. Government allowed India jointly to build this mega project against popular dissatisfactions wiping out any kind of counter argument. This kind of controversial anti-environmental project near a sensitive environmental heritage site cuts bad image globally.
Sympathetic perceptions of foreign donors may change by such an initiative. Bangladesh foreign officers should be tricky enough to answer this kind contrasting stance of Bangladesh. Government also should be careful about its environmental policy.
Recent move to coal-based energy sector is not a good way to prosper Bangladesh. Because any deviation would defame Bangladesh’s achieved prestige. Losing moral ground would be another catastrophic for Bangladesh climate diplomacy Renewable energy is perceived to be the best alternative to fossil fuel. Fossil fuel is the single most contributor to climate change.
But most of the technologies are expensive and sophisticated. Unfortunately or fortunately, developed countries are also the owner of those technologies and regrettably reluctant to provide to the developing countries. Bangladesh can make developed countries realize through diplomatic channel that Bangladesh needs those technologies so that Bangladesh can survive in a healthy way.
Foreign officials should be competent to project Bangladesh’s reality and needs in this regard. Recently the World Bank has approved $185 million loan to Bangladesh for 310 Megawatt (MW) renewable energy generation capacity and mobilize private sector participants to meet the growing demand for electricity in the country. Bangladesh’s electricity generation from renewable sources has passed the 5percent mark with the opening of a major new solar.
Bangladesh was expected to get 10% of its power through renewable energy by 2020.59 Wind power, biomass energy, biogas energy, hydro energy, tidal power, ocean wave energy and geothermal energy also have potentiality in Bangladesh. But structural change and huge economic expenditure is needed to operationalize these alternative energy sources.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is hoping to become a developed country within a couple of decades. It will be challenging for Bangladesh to meet such an ambitious vision without external help while climate change is taking too much from Bangladesh continuously. Proper foreign relations can help to extract external aid and technological support for Bangladesh to adapt with changing climate crisis.
Multilateral Approach to Climate Change Issue
Greater and wider coordination is needed to battle negative climate change both at domestic and international level. A multilateral approach is needed for climate diplomacy since there are a lot of complexities surrounding politics and climate science. Bangladesh has already ratified most of the treaties related to climate change. Active presence in international forums can enhance the position of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh has always participated with a number of delegations in international conferences on climate. But the quality of delegation has often been questioned. Effective representation with creative but feasible proposals can position Bangladesh at higher level in negotiation table. Indeed, Bangladesh has reframed its “vulnerability” into a positive focus on resilience.
Three Layer Model of Wider Climate Diplomacy
Bangladesh has successfully mastered a discourse called “loss and damage” which has been accepted by international community in 2011. This kind of ideational initiative is very crucial for Bangladesh to get attention of others. Agenda setting leadership capability brings recognition among fellow actors.
The political will to address impacts and incorporate climate change issues into national-level planning in Bangladesh forms the basis of the country’s ambition to increase its position at international level reducing political and institutional contradictions.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) can lead from the front but integration with other ministries like the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change is very important to highlight Bangladesh’s eagerness in battling climate change. We cannot leave the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources behind for its crucial linkage with renewable energy generation for better environment.
National institutions with higher level of coordination can influence the international condition on climate change. Officials of MOFA and Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change can pay visit to the special players of international system in terms of hard power and soft power.
To increase influencing pace and impact a significant range of country require mobilization of diplomats who are permanently stationed in key capitals and prioritization of climate change by key ministers on their international trips and diplomatic engagements. Along with these, periodicals, magazine and bulletin can be published from Bangladeshi embassies abroad on climate issues to project long term objectives and create public support in favour of Bangladesh around the world.
Photo exhibition can be a notable tool for embassies to earn empathy and consensus for Bangladesh’s struggle with climate change. Bangladesh was also a chair from 2011- 2013 of Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) since its inception in 2009. Dhaka declaration was made in 2011 in CVF conference to mitigate the vulnerability of climate change.
On the other hand, Bangladesh can increase its linkage with other regional blocks on climate change issue. It would increase the leadership of Bangladesh in global arena. Coalitions can be formed to increase the support of climate change vulnerability. Bangladesh needs to study contemporary global environmental politics and apply them in real negotiation to keep Bangladesh at better position.
Bangladesh had become an active participant in Middle Eastern politics under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and later Ziaur Rahman. As a result, Bangladesh got unthinkable exposure to the world. So, such a higher level of external orientation on climate change issue can uphold Bangladesh’s position in the world. After successful projection and consensus building of environmental agenda, implementation stage appears.
Bangladesh can coordinate with other states to implement broader policies in action. Leading by example is also a mode of directional leadership projecting unique initiatives. Obviously, a continued foreign policy is needed to get the result. Proper management of donation is also a challenge for Bangladesh. Though, local vibrant local NGOs have reputation globally. Increasing institutional capability is a crying need for Bangladesh to go through multilateral approach in its climate diplomacy.
Accelerating Diplomatic Grounds
For an effective foreign policy direction, policymakers and experts are crucial. Bangladesh needs working on diplomats since there is a greater potentiality in environmental diplomacy. We cannot expect greater result with ordinary diplomats rather specialization is must. How diplomats are equipped with knowledge and experience is the crucial question to be asked.
Various initiatives can be taken to develop the expertise level of diplomats on climate issue. Climate diplomacy would be an integral part of Bangladesh since hazardous climate issue is a permanent feature of Bangladesh. Developing diplomats is a long term process which should be started very soon. Some primary initiatives can be taken-
1. Climate issue should be integrated in daily routine of Bangladeshi embassies abroad as finance department is now prioritized. Unless diplomats are sufficiently aware of the climate change issue, they would not be able to conceptualize Bangladesh’s climatic vulnerabilities and needs to others.
Special training programme should be compulsory for all novice diplomats. Experts from MOFA and MOEF can collaborate with this programme. It would enhance the quality of diplomats. Experts on environmental issues with special status can guide career diplomats in vital embassies as well.
A prominent Bangladeshi climate expert believes that a qualified permanent ambassador in Bangladesh embassies would help Bangladesh to tackle climate diplomacy more sufficiently. We should take climate diplomacy seriously so that we can contribute in this sector and earn prestige globally from the frontline.
2. Colonial legacy of bureaucracy should be broken, and contribution of citizens should be taken into account.69 Universities, research institutions, and think tanks can contribute knowledge building on climate change issues. Knowledge sharing among various entities can enrich policy quality as well.
This would lay the foundation of future diplomats and policy planners too. “gobeshona.net”, an archive of research papers relating climate change in Bangladesh, is an excellent example of this kind of knowledge sharing initiative. But this is surely inadequate with rising needs to present Bangladesh in negotiation table. Subsidies can be granted on research projects for further climate change exploration which would provide intelligence to Bangladesh climate policy projection.
3. Bangladesh can host international conference on climate change to enhance the level of knowledge regarding Bangladesh. Even students exchange programme on climate change discipline can be prioritized as a part of long term plan. Students having background of environmental science and global environmental politics can be hired in Bangladesh embassies to generate more rigorous policy. Art of political negotiation and knowledge of science should be mastered for environmental diplomacy.
Conclusion
Author of this paper tried to conceptualize Bangladesh foreign policy from environmental perspective. Bangladesh being a geographically vulnerable country is facing numerous climatic hazards due to climate change. So, Bangladesh needs a foreign policy which suits its interests and security in long run broadly.
This paper argued that effective climate diplomacy can contribute immensely to Bangladesh in terms of prestige and resources. Bangladesh cannot be arrogant with other states in dealing rather a cooperative mechanism can serve Bangladesh with better position in the world. Multilateral approaches are also crucial and effective for climate diplomacy of Bangladesh.
Preservation of sovereignty and quest for resources for development are two broader objectives of Bangladesh foreign policy.” Those objectives are attainable under coherent effective climate diplomacy as we have seen above. Successful persuasion of other states to step back from natural degradation would make environmental condition much better which in return would make sure Bangladesh’s existence secure.
On the other hand, resource mobilization frominternational climate change and efficient use of them would bring economic development and prosperity since Bangladesh alone cannot bear the cost of negative climate change.
Here resource referred to the prestige of leadership and material resources in terms of international funds and donations as well. A hybrid cooperative- proactive model of diplomacy would help Bangladesh to attain them both successfully. We finally recommended some propositions for a long term development of climate diplomacy in the context of Bangladesh.
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