A delegation of the European Parliament on Tuesday expressed its strong commitment to help Bangladesh combat climate change impacts, saying it wants stability of lives and livelihoods and not climate refugees. “Whether or not the US takes the right role in Copenhagen does not really matter…European Union have a long relations with Bangladesh. We will be there for you,” said the leader of the delegation, Nirj Deva, at a press conference at Brac Center Inn in the city. The delegation is on a visit since October 31.

The eight-member delegation, which has not made any financial commitment, said it would submit an official report to the European Parliament that looks after budgetary allocations. Bangladesh, however, must propose specific projects for effective use of the new funds to be raised to tackle climate change. “We all have to act now, otherwise we will all be sorry later! Unless steps are taken immediately to adjust to climate change by putting new money in new projects, the huge migratory impact of millions of people seeking safer refuge will make the whole world a less safer place,” said Nirj Deva, a British Conservative Parliamentarian.

During its visit, the delegation met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ministers for environment and disaster management, parliamentarians, NGOs and the civil society. Deva said the delegation was convinced by the efforts of the government, which put forward a $100 million fund and framed Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan to respond to the climate change impacts. “But at the same time regional cooperation is very crucial. Especially, the issues of water sharing of the cross-border rivers. Unless addressed efficiently, these conflicts will create even greater risks,” said Jean Lambert, chair of the Parliament’s delegation for relations with South Asia.

-Daily Star