UK pledges US$131 mln to battle climate change in Bangladesh

Bangladesh last week was put into international spotlight on adverse impacts of global warming at a high-profile conference in London, focusing the need for an agreement on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and to enhance the country's capability to adapt to perilous impacts of climate change. Bangladesh and the United Kingdom made a joint partnership calling for an ambitious international deal on cutting greenhouse gas emissions as London made a fresh pledge of 75 million pounds sterling (US$131.3 million) to Dhaka for combating catastrophic impacts of climate change on livelihood and food security.

* The money will go on measures such as protecting houses, schools and farms against flooding, and introducing new crop strains in Bangladesh, terribly hit last year by devastating floods and cyclone.

* UK's International Development Secretary (minister) Douglas Alexander said the lives of millions of people in Bangladesh would be devastated if urgent action is not taken to tackle climate change and cut down the emissions.

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