As the chair of Least Developed Countries, Bhutan called for accessible and sustainable climate financing for vulnerable countries. The agriculture minister who is attending COP26, a climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland, also appealed to the international community to scale up finance for adaptations, loss and damages and capacity buildings for the LDCs. He said this will enable the LDCs to recover from the impacts of climate-induced disasters.
The agriculture minister said climate financing is critical for adaptation among the LDCs as these countries are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. “As such adaptation is a priority for us. Adaptations therefore must be supported by grants and green finance. We would like our partners to live up to the US $100 billion climate finance commitment and adaptation must receive an equal share in climate financing.”
He also called for an assured climate fund for countries that are committed and have provided leadership prominence in climate actions.“While Bhutan acknowledges the COP26’s climate finance delivery plan meeting the US $100 Billion goal and contribution committed by partners in LCDF replenishment, we would like to reiterate that climate finance must be predictable, easily accessible and sustainable on the priorities and the need of the vulnerable countries.”
Yeshey Penjor highlighted that Bhutan has demonstrated enough leadership in environmental conservation. He called on the international community to support the country’s green initiatives and commitment to low emission development policy.
“Just to set the tone in an example, we are currently committed to going e-mobility in our transport sector and energy-efficient housing to transform from fossil fuel run transport and domestic cooking and heating. Initiating electric train transport, increasing electric vehicles in private and public transport across the country is an immediate target in our country. We would like to invite investors, governments, multinational donors, international NGOs and the Private sectors to support such green initiatives in our country.”
The minister reiterated Bhutan’s commitment to the principles and the objectives of the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change that calls on member states to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius. He called on all parties to be flexible, open and constructive to deliver strong climate actions and support to secure a green and sustainable future.
Phub Gyem & Sangay Chezom
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
