Pioneering Bangladeshi Climate Scientist Saleemul Huq Dies at 71

Saleemul Huq, a pioneering climate scientist from Bangladesh who pushed to get the world to understand, pay for and adapt to worsening warming impacts on poorer nations, died of cardiac arrest Saturday. He was 71.

The world of climate science has lost a luminary. Saleemul Huq, a pioneering climate scientist from Bangladesh who dedicated his life to raising awareness about the impacts of global warming on poorer nations, passed away due to cardiac arrest at the age of 71. His demise occurred in Dhaka on Saturday.

Huq was renowned for his commitment towards advocating for the poor and marginalized communities that bear the brunt of climate change. "Saleem always focused on the poor and marginalized, making sure that climate change was about people, their lives, health and livelihoods," said University of Washington's Kristie Ebi, a friend and colleague.

Besides being a senior associate and program founder at London's International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), Huq also directed and helped establish the International Centre for Climate Change & Development in Dhaka. He held teaching positions at universities both in England and Bangladesh.

An Influential Force

Huq was instrumental in initiating community-based efforts to adapt to what climate change did to impoverished nations. Recognizing his significant contributions, Queen Elizabeth II conferred upon him the Order of the British Empire earlier this year.

"As a dual Bangladeshi and British citizen, I have been working for two decades to enhance collaboration between universities and researchers in both countries to tackle twin global challenges - poverty eradication & dealing with climate change," Huq had remarked while receiving this honor.

A Legacy That Inspires

One can gauge Huq's influence from his recognition as one among top ten scientists globally by Nature journal this year. He published hundreds of scientific articles throughout his career aiming not only at academic circles but also reaching out wider public audiences through popular articles.

Harjeet Singh from Climate Action Network paid tribute to Huq, saying, "Your steadfast dedication to those impacted by climate change, even until your last breath, coupled with your advocacy for the poorest and most vulnerable, has crafted a legacy that stands unparalleled."

Unfulfilled Dreams

Huq's dream was the creation of a loss and damage program for developing nations affected by climate change. The idea was that richer countries causing most emissions should finance this fund. While United Nations approved this concept last year, its implementation is yet to see light.

Huq had been an active participant in every United Nations climate negotiation session or COPs (Conferences of Parties). He started a 20-year tradition of 'Adaptation Days' focusing on adapting to climate change. At these COPs he was always busy interacting with numerous people leading his friends jokingly say "Saleem is everywhere...he's just not here," recalls Ebi.

An Irreplaceable Loss

"I fear the developing countries have lost an incredible voice," said Joel Smith, former US Environmental Protection Agency official and friend of Huq. His calm demeanor and persistent approach towards his work were highly admired by all who knew him.

Ebi also highlighted Huq’s efforts in fostering countless young scientists from the developing world through training programs which significantly shaped today's negotiations at global platforms like UNFCCC.

Saleemul Huq leaves behind his wife along with a son and daughter.

In conclusion, Saleemul Huq’s passing marks an irreplaceable loss for the field of climate science particularly for poorer nations grappling with adverse impacts of global warming. His relentless advocacy for these regions will continue inspiring future generations striving towards achieving environmental justice worldwide.