Bangladesh is set to receive a $2 million grant from Japan through the Asian Development Bank in order to address the challenges brought about by climate change in the coming years. The grant, approved by ADB, will be used to enhance the capabilities of government agencies in implementing a 10-year Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. This plan focuses on issues such as food security, disaster preparedness, and other important aspects related to climate change. According to Zahir Ahmad, Project Implementation Officer for ADB's Bangladesh mission, it is crucial for Bangladesh to prepare for climate change in order to protect the well-being of its citizens. The assistance from ADB will enable the government to carry out the Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to promote low carbon growth, increase climate resilience, and enhance food and energy security in the country. Recently, the country has experienced higher temperatures, heavier monsoon rains, and more tropical cyclones and storms due to climate change, according to a statement by ADB. As temperatures are projected to continue rising, it is predicted that sea levels could increase by 30 centimeters by 2050, putting 14% of the country at high risk of flooding. In addition to strengthening the Ministry of Environment and Forests and other government agencies, efforts will be made to create climate change mitigation and adaptation programs. A sub-program will also be established to encourage private sector investment in clean energy projects eligible for carbon credits under the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism. The total cost of this assistance is estimated at $2.5 million, with the government contributing $500,000 in kind. The project is scheduled to last for a duration of two years, commencing in August 2009, and will be carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The funding for the project comes from the Japan Special Fund, which is supported by the government of Japan and managed by ADB.