Since the first meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP) in 1995, representatives from almost 200 nations and the EU have met annually to discuss strategies for reaching climate goals and emissions targets.
But Dr Mukherjee said those meetings have led to “relatively little progress.”
“We have been negotiating for 30 years now but the reality is that the root cause of climate change – greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere – is not going down, it’s going up.
“In 1992 – three years before COP was established – the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air was 352 ppm [parts per million]. Now it is 422 ppm.
“It’s going up every year. We want reasonable actions for that.”
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One suggestion for such action is to increase the production of climate-resistant homes that can better withstand hurricanes, floods, cyclones, and earthquakes in parts of the world where climate change has made such disasters more common.
The University of Dundee has worked on houses in Bangladesh that can be lifted on stilts to withstand high waters and produce electricity and food. The homes also use an innovative brick design which is considered three times stronger than sandstone and can be made using local materials in most parts of the world.
“These homes are built to Net Zero standard,” Dr Mukherjee said.
“Construction of the houses achieves Net Zero and when they are used as intended, they are carbon negative.
“One-third of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere come from the construction sector, so the University of Dundee’s climate-resistant home directly addresses that problem.
“We just need to see a lot more support globally to expand projects like this for a much wider good and to really address the crisis before us.”
Low production costs – as low as £7,000 in some cases – and basic material needs mean that Dr Mukherjee believes the projects can be replicated worldwide.
But only if decision-makers commit to concrete actions rather than more talks.
“Many countries speak positively about achieving their SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) by 2030, but the reality is very different.
“Homelessness is increasing, water scarcity is increasing, energy security is decreasing, food security is decreasing – none of these are positive things.
“Despite all of the policies created over the years, we are not seeing many solutions.
“What I want from this COP is solutions. We have said enough.”
Dr Mukherjee will represent the government of Bangladesh during COP29 negotiations. He will also help develop new Net Zero principles and Sustainable Development Goals, adding to the original 17 SDGs adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.
Global SDGs aim to end poverty and other deprivations while tackling climate change.
Although the SDGs set lofty goals – such as eradicating poverty and homelessness, ending hunger, and expanding affordable clean energy to everyone – Dr Mukherjee said there are practical steps that can lead to progress.
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Writing for The Herald, he said that “radical innovation” and “economic rethinking” are critical.
“The UK’s Autumn Budget earmarks £233 million to tackle homelessness, but more comprehensive measures are essential.
“Our climate-resilient home is a six-bedroom villa. Materials and construction cost a total of just £7,000, offering a cost-effective alternative that provides climate-friendly, robust housing solutions.
“To combat climate change, eradicate homelessness, and achieve the SDGs, we must act boldly and collectively.
“We are at a pivotal moment in history, tasked with addressing climate threats, rising homelessness, and achieving the SDGs by 2030.
“Despite these daunting obstacles, we have the power to create change.”
