Scoping of Loss and Damage Case in Bangladesh

The Centre for Climate Justice–Bangladesh implemented the project “Scoping of Loss and Damage Case in Bangladesh” from July, 2023 – June, 2024 to explore the potential for climate litigation as a tool to address climate-induced loss and damage. The partners of this project were International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), Bangladesh Environment and Development Society (BEDS), and the Climate Litigation Accelerator (CLX) at the New York University (NYU) School of Law. The project aimed to develop legal strategies to ensure justice for affected communities through rights-based approaches, influence policy spaces such as the UNFCCC and build capacity among legal and scientific stakeholders. The project began with a comprehensive literature review and some visits to climate-vulnerable coastal areas. Based on these, five vulnerable locations were selected for field consultations. An advisory board of national experts was formed to guide the project. Community consultations were then conducted to document lived experiences of loss and damage, leading to the shortlisting of two sites for in-depth research. Expert consultants were engaged to conduct an attribution study and a feasibility study. The attribution study assessed the scientific basis of climate impacts, while the feasibility study explored the legal and community readiness for litigation. After expert review, one final site was selected for further engagement. The project also focused on building media awareness. Two media training workshops were organized to engage journalists in the discourse around climate justice and litigation. A media strategy was developed with expert input and a public lecture was held involving youth, government officials, and civil society actors to broaden outreach. The project will move into its litigation phase while expanding capacity-building efforts. CCJ-B plans to support legal case development, train young professionals and advocate for national policy reforms. The project aims to establish a strong foundation for achieving climate justice in Bangladesh by combining legal action with evidence-based research and public engagement.