Renowned Climate Scientist Saleemul Huq Passes Away, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Saleemul Huq, a veteran Bangladeshi climate scientist and campaigner, has sadly passed away at the age of 71. His death has led to an outpouring of tributes from climate campaigners, diplomats, scientists, and others who recognized his immense contributions to the field.
Tasneem Essop, the head of the Climate Action Network, described Huq as a giant in our movement and an inspiration to many of us. German climate envoy Jennifer Morgan also praised his tireless efforts, stating that Saleem has been a driving force for climate justice since the beginning of the climate debate.
Born in 1952, Saleemul Huq moved to London in the 1970s to study plant biochemistry at University College London. Upon returning to Bangladesh in the 1980s, he established the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, the country’s first environmental think tank.
Huq dedicated his career to studying the impacts of climate change, particularly focusing on sea-level rise in low-lying Bangladesh. As a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), he played a crucial role in highlighting the importance of adapting to climate change and reducing emissions.
Throughout his career, Huq championed the cause of developing countries, advocating for their needs and calling for support to tackle climate change. He attended every Cop summit from Cop1 in Berlin in 1995 to Cop27 in Egypt in Sharm el-Sheikh last year, advising the world’s least developed countries and those most vulnerable to climate change.
Huq’s efforts to address climate change also emphasized the responsibility of countries that have contributed the most to the crisis. He tirelessly campaigned for assistance and funding to support those facing the worst impacts of climate change.
His dedication paid off when governments agreed to establish a loss and damage fund at Cop27. Huq called for the committee tasked with setting up the fund to work with urgency, hoping for its establishment by Cop28.
The news of Huq’s passing was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences. Acclaimed author Amitav Ghosh hailed him as one of the most important voices from the global south, tireless in his advocacy of climate justice.
Harjeet Singh from the Climate Action Network praised Huq’s kindness and ability to communicate complex ideas in simple terms. He also highlighted Huq’s exceptional talent for turning ideas into reality and his dedication to mentoring and training young negotiators.
The legacy left by Saleemul Huq will be remembered for his invaluable contributions to climate science and his unwavering commitment to promoting climate justice. His work has set a lasting example for future generations and will continue to inspire action against climate change.
In honor of his memory, the global community must strive to carry forward his passion and dedication, working together to address the urgent challenges of our changing climate.
