Climate change to displace millions in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a land of rivers, deltas, and fertile plains, is no stranger to the ravages of climate change. Situated in the deltaic region of South Asia, the country is uniquely vulnerable to the adverse effects of global warming, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. As one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a burgeoning economy driven by agriculture and textiles, Bangladesh faces formidable challenges in mitigating the impacts of climate change on its economy and environment.

Rising sea levels pose an existential threat to Bangladeshs low-lying coastal areas, home to millions of people and vital ecosystems. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sea levels are projected to rise by 0.3 to 0.9 metres by the end of the century, displacing millions of coastal inhabitants and inundating vast swathes of agricultural land. The Sundarbans, the worlds largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces the risk of saltwater intrusion, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline due to rising sea levels and changing hydrological patterns.

The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as cyclones, storm surges, and floods, have escalated in recent decades, exacerbating the vulnerability of Bangladeshs coastal communities and infrastructure. Cyclone Sidr in 2007 and Cyclone Amphan in 2020 wreaked havoc on coastal districts, causing extensive damage to homes, crops, and livelihoods. The economic toll of these disasters is staggering, with the World Bank estimating that cyclones and floods cost Bangladesh approximately 2% of its GDP annually.
The agricultural sector, which forms the backbone of Bangladeshs economy and employs a significant portion of the population, is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and saline intrusion into freshwater sources threaten crop yields, food security, and rural livelihoods. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), climate change could reduce Bangladeshs rice production by up to 8% by 2050, posing significant challenges for food self-sufficiency and poverty alleviation efforts.

Moreover, the textile industry, a key driver of Bangladeshs export-led growth, faces mounting pressure to adapt to climate change and reduce its carbon footprint. The sector, which accounts for nearly 80% of the countrys total export earnings, is under scrutiny for its environmental impact, including water pollution, chemical contamination, and greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts to improve environmental sustainability and promote eco-friendly practices in the textile industry are crucial for safeguarding Bangladeshs natural resources and enhancing its global competitiveness.

In response to the climate crisis, Bangladesh has taken proactive measures to build resilience, mitigate risks, and foster sustainable development. The government has adopted the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP), which outlines priority areas for adaptation and mitigation, including disaster preparedness, coastal zone management, and renewable energy promotion. The establishment of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) has mobilised resources for climate resilience projects and initiatives at the national and local levels.

Furthermore, Bangladesh has emerged as a global leader in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, pioneering innovative solutions and best practices that resonate far beyond its borders. The implementation of early warning systems, cyclone shelters, and community-based adaptation projects has saved countless lives and reduced the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable populations.

However, despite these commendable efforts, formidable challenges remain in addressing the multifaceted dimensions of the climate crisis in Bangladesh. Limited financial resources, institutional capacity constraints, and competing development priorities constrain the countrys ability to fully confront the impacts of climate change and achieve sustainable development goals.

International cooperation and solidarity are indispensable in supporting Bangladeshs climate resilience efforts and building a more resilient and sustainable future for all. Developed countries have a moral and ethical obligation to fulfil their commitments under the Paris Agreement, including providing financial assistance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support to vulnerable countries like Bangladesh.

In conclusion, the impact of climate change on Bangladeshs economy and environment is profound and far-reaching, posing complex challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. As a nation on the frontlines of the climate crisis, Bangladesh must continue to prioritise climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation efforts, while advocating for global climate action and solidarity. By harnessing the collective will and ingenuity of its people, Bangladesh can navigate the uncertainties of a changing climate and emerge as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and hope in the face of adversity.

The writer is a senior sub-editor at the Daily Sun