The United Nations World Food Programme and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief called for urgent enhancements to combat climate change in Bangladesh.
They made the call in the 鈥楽tate of Anticipatory Action 2024鈥� report, outlining significant progress made in 2024, said a press release on Thursday.
鈥業n 2024, we achieved some major successes showing the value of anticipatory action. By providing cash support before Cyclone Remal, we reduced the damage to coastal communities, protected livelihoods while ensuring people had essential resources,鈥� said Razwanur Rahman, director general of the Department of Disaster Management.
The report, however, stressed continued necessity for anticipatory action to combat escalating risks in 2025 and revealed that there was a gap in funding and coverage.
For 2025, of the USD 42 million required funding, more than half remains unfunded. The largest funding needs are for monsoon floods, cyclones, and flash floods, the press release said.
The report also revealed that over 54 per cent of households in need were left unsupported in 2024.
鈥楾he gaps remained in challenges of funding and coverage. By addressing these gaps through enhanced coordination, innovative financing and expanded hazard coverage, Bangladesh can solidify its position as a global leader in anticipatory action,鈥� said Riccardo Suppo, head of programmes, WFP Bangladesh.
The report suggested exploring risk pooling, anticipatory action insurance, and multi-year funding commitments to ensure long-term sustainability.