Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus Demands Action, Not Negotiation, on Climate Crisis

Bangladesh’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has called for a radical shift in approach to global climate talks, urging wealthier nations to cease negotiations and instead take immediate responsibility for ir role in the climate crisis. Speaking from Baku, Azerbaijan, Yunus framed the issue as a matter of justice, emphasizing that the country most responsible for global warming must provide the necessary funds to combat its devastating effects. 

“Why should we be a negotiation?” Yunus asked during an interview with the Associated Press. “You are causing the problem, and you solve it. We will raise our voice and tell m it’s your fault, like what we did with colonialism.” 

A New Leadership Role Amid Political Turmoil 

Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government following the resignation and exile of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this year. Her departure came amid weeks of violent protests and political unrest that left nearly 300 dead. Yunus, renowned globally as a “banker to the poorest of poor” for his pioneering work in microfinance, has long been a vocal critic of Hasina’s administration. 

As interim leader, Yunus has shifted his focus to Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change, a crisis he believes requires urgent and uncompromising action. “Wher it’s an interim government, no government, or a democratic government, the priority must be to stop the fire,” Yunus said, referring to escalating climate threats. 

Bangladesh: A Nation on Frontlines of Climate Change 

Bangladesh is among the countries most threatened by climate change. Scientific reports indicate that up to 17% of its land could be lost to rising seas, displacing millions.  The nation also faces increasingly frequent and severe cyclonic storms, further exacerbating its vulnerability. 

Yunus described annual United Nations climate negotiations, known as COP29 this year, as “humiliating” for poorer nations. He likened talks to a “fish market” where nations scramble for the best bargains, criticizing dynamic as fundamentally inequitable. “That’s a very wrong perception of the whole thing,” he said. 

Global Responsibility and Self-Interest 

Yunus underscored the global nature of the climate crisis, pointing out that even the wealthiest nations are not immune. “Everyone’s home is on fire,” he said. “Rich nations, who developed ir economies by burning coal, oil, and gas, are not safe either. So, y has to act in our self-interest as well as the interest of the whole planet.” 

A Vision for Clean Energy and Climate Resilience 

As interim leader, Yunus pledged to prioritize clean energy projects in Bangladesh and implement measures to protect the population from climate impacts. His leadership comes at a critical time, with Bangladesh needing significant resources to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

Yunus’s stance reflects growing frustration among vulnerable nations over the lack of tangible progress at global climate talks. His call for direct responsibility from wealthier nations may add pressure on leaders to deliver actionable outcomes at COP29, moving beyond discussions to concrete commitments. 

A Global Call to Action 

Yunus’s remarks echo a broader demand for climate justice, emphasizing the moral obligation of developed nations to support those bearing the brunt of climate change. As the world heads into another round of climate negotiations, his leadership may serve as a rallying cry for equitable solutions and urgent action. Where his vision will translate into meaningful progress remains to be seen, but the urgency of his message is clear:  time for negotiation has passed—action is imperative.