Saleemul Huq

A Bangladeshi climate scientist instrumental in advocating for climate justice for vulnerable nations.

Dr. Saleemul Huq: Champion of Climate Justice for Developing Nations

Dr. Saleemul Huq, a Bangladeshi climate scientist, has been a pivotal figure in global climate policy discussions since the early 2000s. Born in 1955, Huq’s career has focused on ensuring that small island states and developing nations are represented in climate negotiations. His work gained renewed urgency post-2020, as extreme weather events like Cyclone Amphan (2020) highlighted Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate impacts.

In 2021, Huq co-founded the International Council for Science, a platform amplifying voices from climate-affected regions. He also leads the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), which publishes groundbreaking research on adaptation strategies for low-income countries. His 2022 report, 'Climate Finance for Bangladesh,' directly influenced the government’s $1 billion climate resilience fund launched in 2023.

At COP26 (2021), Huq spearheaded the 'Loss and Damage' agenda, pushing wealthy nations to compensate countries facing irreversible climate damage. This advocacy led to historic pledges of $500 million annually by 2025. His 2023 TED Talk "Why Climate Justice Matters" has been viewed over 2 million times, bridging academic and public discourse.

Locally, Huq’s community-based initiatives include solar microgrids in rural Bangladesh, benefiting over 500,000 households. His mentorship of young climate scientists from Africa and Asia through the Sciences Po Climate Academy ensures long-term global impact. Huq’s legacy lies in transforming climate science into actionable policies that prioritize equity—a critical shift in post-2020 climate governance.