Climate finance for adaptation goals in Bangladesh: past trends, present gaps, and future pathways beyond 2030

Abstract

This study examines the trends, challenges, and future pathways of climate finance for climate action in Bangladesh, comparing the 7th and 8th Five-Year Plans and exploring prospects for the 9th Plan and beyond 2030. Using a mixed-methods approach involving policy analysis, a survey of 44 practitioners, and five key informant interviews, the study finds that climate finance has supported adaptation in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, disaster preparedness, and community resilience but remains inadequate and difficult to access. Major barriers include weak governance, limited institutional capacity, insufficient international and concessional finance, and poor coordination and accountability. The study highlights blended finance, predictable grant-based funding, stronger institutions, locally led delivery, and diversified financing sources as important pathways for strengthening climate adaptation and achieving SDG 13.