It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Saleemul Huq, a trailblazing climate scientist hailing from Bangladesh, who dedicated his life to advocating for the recognition, financial support, and adaptation of developing nations in the face of escalating climate change impacts.
Tragically, Huq succumbed to cardiac arrest on Saturday at the age of 71. Renowned for his unwavering commitment to the underprivileged and marginalized, Huq consistently emphasized the human dimension of climate change, tirelessly striving to safeguard the lives, well-being, and livelihoods of those most vulnerable to its consequences.
A close friend of Huq’s, Kristie Ebi, a distinguished climate and health scientist at the University of Washington, attests to his unwavering focus on the plight of the poor.
Huq’s illustrious career included directing and co-founding the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Dhaka, as well as serving as a senior associate and program founder at the International Institute for Environment and Development in London.
Moreover, he imparted his invaluable wisdom to students at universities in both England and Bangladesh. Recognized as an early advocate for community-based initiatives aimed at adapting to the adverse effects of climate change on impoverished nations, Huq leaves behind an indelible legacy that will continue to shape the discourse on climate justice for years to come.
In recognition of his exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to his field, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the prestigious Order of the British Empire upon him in 2022.
This distinguished honor serves as a testament to his remarkable achievements and the profound impact he has had on society.
Through his tireless efforts, he has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the betterment of his community and the advancement of his chosen profession.
His unwavering pursuit of excellence and his remarkable accomplishments have garnered widespread acclaim and admiration from both his peers and the general public alike.
This well-deserved recognition not only serves as a testament to his outstanding abilities and remarkable character, but also highlights the significant and lasting contributions he has made to the betterment of the British Empire.
The Order of the British Empire represents the highest form of recognition bestowed by the monarch, and its presentation to him is a testament to his exceptional talents and his unwavering commitment to excellence.
This prestigious honor not only acknowledges his individual achievements, but also serves as a symbol of the collective recognition and appreciation of his peers and the nation as a whole.
As a recipient of the Order of the British Empire, he joins a distinguished group of individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left an indelible mark on the fabric of society.
His induction into this esteemed order is a testament to his exceptional abilities, his unwavering dedication, and his profound impact on his community and his profession.
The Order of the British Empire represents the pinnacle of achievement and is a fitting tribute to his outstanding contributions to the British Empire.
Professor Saleemul Huq, a dual Bangladeshi and British citizen, has been working tirelessly for the past two decades to enhance collaboration between universities and researchers in both countries to address the pressing global challenges of poverty eradication and climate change.
His unwavering commitment to the cause has earned him numerous accolades, including being named as one of the top 10 scientists in the world by the prestigious scientific journal Nature in 2022.
Huq’s tireless advocacy for those impacted by climate change, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable, has earned him a reputation as a champion for the cause.
His legacy stands unparalleled, as evidenced by the heartfelt tribute paid to him by Climate Action Network’s Harjeet Singh on X, formerly known as Twitter.
One of Huq’s most significant achievements was the creation of a loss and damage program for developing nations hit hard by climate change, paid for by richer nations that are primarily responsible for the problem with their emissions.
Although the United Nations climate negotiators approved the creation of the fund last year, efforts to get it up and running have so far stalled.
Dr. Saleemul Huq, a renowned figure in the field of climate change, has made a significant impact on the United Nations climate negotiations sessions, known as Conferences of Parties (COP).
With an impressive record of attending every COP session, Huq initiated a unique tradition that spanned over two decades, focusing specifically on adapting to climate change.
Originally called Adaptation Days, this tradition was born out of Huq’s desire to shed light on the experiences of a rural Bangladeshi farmer.
By bringing her to the high-level negotiations, Huq created a platform for her to share her firsthand experiences.
Over time, this initiative has evolved into a multi-day event that centers around adaptation. Joel Smith, a former official at the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and a close friend of Huq’s, attests to the significance of this event. However, Huq’s presence at these COPs was so ubiquitous that his friends and colleagues would often humorously remark, “Saleem is everywhere… he’s just not here,” when they couldn’t find him at his makeshift office.
Huq was constantly surrounded by people who sought his expertise and insights during the negotiations. Smith laments the loss of Huq’s incredible voice for developing countries, emphasizing not only what Huq accomplished, but also the manner in which he worked.
Huq’s approach was characterized by his sense of humor, unwavering persistence, and remarkable calmness.
Smith expressed his admiration for an individual whom he had observed closely over a significant period of time. According to Smith, this person possessed a remarkable quality that set him apart from others – an unwavering calmness in the face of adversity.
Smith emphasized that he had never witnessed this individual lose his composure or become agitated, regardless of the circumstances.
Furthermore, Smith noted that this person’s demeanor remained consistently serene, never succumbing to the temptation of raising his voice to assert dominance or express frustration.
This equanimity, as Smith described it, was truly remarkable and left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of interacting with this individual.
In the realm of scientific research and development, the contributions of individuals who dedicate their efforts to fostering the growth and advancement of young scientists from the developing world are truly commendable.
Such is the case with Huq, whose remarkable program has served as a catalyst for the success of countless aspiring researchers.
As noted by Smith and Ebi, Huq’s unwavering commitment to connecting these young scientists with others in the field has resulted in immeasurable benefits for the scientific community as a whole.
By providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, Huq has not only empowered these individuals to realize their full potential but has also facilitated the emergence of innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The impact of Huq’s program extends far beyond the individuals it directly supports, as it contributes to the broader goal of promoting global scientific collaboration and fostering a more inclusive and equitable scientific community.
The current state of negotiations is heavily influenced by the significant contributions made by the scientists hailing from the least developed countries who have undergone rigorous training under Saleem’s program,” asserted Ebi.
These scientists, armed with newfound knowledge and expertise, have played a pivotal role in shaping the ongoing negotiations.
Their invaluable insights and unique perspectives have proven instrumental in addressing the complex challenges faced by the global community.
By empowering individuals from these nations through targeted training initiatives, Saleem has not only equipped them with the necessary skills but has also fostered a sense of empowerment and agency within these communities.
Consequently, these scientists have emerged as key players in the discussions, advocating for the interests and concerns of their respective countries.
Their contributions have not only enriched the diversity of perspectives but have also enhanced the effectiveness and inclusivity of the negotiation process.
As we mourn the loss of Huq, a dedicated scientist and mentor, we must also acknowledge the legacy he leaves behind.
Survived by his widow, son, and daughter, Huq’s impact extends far beyond his immediate family. His tireless efforts in nurturing and guiding the next generation of scientists have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the scientific community.
The loss of such a visionary and influential figure serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing his work and ensuring that his legacy lives on.