Prominent Climate Scientist Saleemul Huq Dies at 71, Leaves Legacy of Advocacy for Poor Nations against Climate Change

Huq's Efforts Include Founding the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, Pushing for A Loss and Damage Fund for Developing Countries, and Training Young Scientists from Least Developed Countries.

Saleemul Huq, a leading climate scientist who advocated for the developing world, died at the age of 71 from cardiac arrest. With a distinguished career spanning several decades, Huq was pivotal in pushing for international understanding and financial support to help poorer nations adapt to the worsening impacts of climate change.
Among his key achievements was founding the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, and advocating for the establishment of a loss and damage fund. United Nations climate negotiators approved the creation of this fund, its further development has since however, stalled.
Huq was tireless in his efforts to shift the focus of climate change discourse from merely emissions reduction to practical adaptation strategies required by developing and poor nations. He introduced the revolutionary idea of 'Adaptation Days' during the United Nations climate negotiations known as Conferences of Parties (COP), a tradition which continues to this day.
Honored by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 with the Order of the British Empire for his efforts, Huq was also recognized as one of the top 10 scientists in the world by the science journal Nature, underscoring his pivotal role in climate science.
Beyond his professional achievements, Huq was known for his collaborative leadership style. He played a crucial role in nurturing and fostering young scientists from the developing world and connecting them with others in the field of climate science. His friends and colleagues remember him for his equanimity, persistence, and sense of humor despite dealing with one of the gravest global issues.