A delegation led by Lance Simmens,Climate Messenger of the former US Vice- President Al-Gore and currently a cabinet member at the office of the governor of Philadelphia, met Akramul Qader, Bangladesh Ambassador to USA yesterday.
During the meeting, Bangladesh ambassador apprised him of the vulnerability of Bangladesh while touching on the various measures taken by the present government to address the challenge.
Being one of the most vulnerable countries in the world,Ambassador Qader said, Bangladesh has identified climate issues as one of its priorities to deal with both nationally, regionally and internationally.
Given the track record to fight climate menace with her own resources, Bangladesh Ambassador informed the dignitary that Dhaka desires to establish an International Climate Adaptation Center in Bangladesh dedicated to climate change adaptation research and modeling. He also sought cooperation from friendly countries, groups, individuals and friends in this regard.
While appreciating the on-going activities of the government to meet the challenge, Simmens offered to dedicate himself for the cause of climate issue of Bangladesh and propounded to sensitize the global community and mobilize public opinion in favor of Bangladesh. Considering the prevailing ignorance in USA and elsewhere about the magnitude of the climate challenge impact in general and Bangladesh’s vulnerability in particular.
Simmens offered to help produce a documentary film on behalf of Bangladesh which will ultimately depict the real effect on the plight of Bangladesh due to climatic conditions. While appreciating his offer, Bangladesh Ambassador assured him of taking the issue with the concerned authorities in Bangladesh.
Simmens added that Bangladesh could get tremendous mileage by making such a documentary film available among the media houses and entertainment community in USA, in particular, where he has easy access due to his long association.
Simmens, who has earned accolade worldwide for making 93 power-point presentations on climate so far, offered to make a presentation at the embassy. The ambassador gladly accepted his offer and assured him of organizing such an event soon in which US officials, academics, civil society members and other stake- holders will be invited.
Lance Simmens, a world-renowned figure on the issue of climate change, is one of the climate messengers specially handpicked by the former US Vice President Al-Gore to sensitize the world about the adverse impact of climate change. He is currently the Special Assistant to the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania for Inter-governmental Affairs.
DHAKA, Oct 21 (BSS)
