Bangladesh is one of the most endangered coastal countries in the world due to global warming and climate change. In the 2020 edition of Germanwatch’s Climate Risk Index, it ranked seventh in the list of countries most affected by climate calamities during the period 1999–2018. Scientists say that if global warming continues at the same rate, a large area of Bangladesh will be flooded in the next 100 years, and about 30 million people will become refugees. Bangladesh’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change is due to a combination of geographical factors, such as its flat, low-lying, and delta-exposed topography, and socio-economic factors, including its high population density, levels of poverty, and dependence on agriculture. The impacts and potential threats include sea level rise, temperature rise, food crises, droughts, floods, and cyclones.
Climate change is a critical issue in Bangladesh, as the country is one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh emits only 0.40 percent of the world’s total greenhouse gases. But unfortunately, Bangladesh ranks seventh on the list of the most vulnerable countries to climate devastation. This threat is not an abstract one. Mainly due to its geographical location, overpopulation, poverty, and inadequacy of social security, Bangladesh’s risk is increasing day by day. As a result, the economic effect is gradually intensifying due to the impact of various climatic variables, such as rainfall and changes in average temperature, which may go beyond proper management in the future. Let’s take a brief look at the effects of climate change on Bangladesh. The data shows that from 2000 to 2019, Bangladesh suffered economic losses worth $3.72 billion and witnessed 185 extreme weather events due to climate change. Here are some of the effects of climate change in Bangladesh:
Sea Level Rise: Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise because much of the country is low-lying and located on the delta of major rivers. Even a small increase in sea levels can lead to significant land loss and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, threatening both agriculture and drinking water supplies.
Increased Flooding: Bangladesh experiences regular flooding due to monsoon rains and river overflows. Climate change is exacerbating this issue by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, leading to more frequent and severe floods. This has devastating effects on agriculture, infrastructure, and human settlements.
Cyclones and Storm Surges: Bangladesh is prone to cyclones and storm surges, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. These events cause widespread destruction of property, loss of lives, displacement of communities, and damage to infrastructure, particularly in coastal areas.
Changes in Rainfall Patterns: Climate change is altering rainfall patterns in Bangladesh, leading to unpredictable precipitation levels and distribution. This affects agricultural productivity, water availability, and can exacerbate both droughts and floods.
Impact on Agriculture: Agriculture is a vital sector in Bangladesh, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to the economy. Climate change-related factors such as flooding, salinity intrusion, and changes in temperature and precipitation patterns pose major threats to crop production, food security, and livelihoods.
Health Risks: Climate change increases the risk of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, as well as water-borne diseases due to contamination of water sources during floods. Heatwaves and extreme weather events also pose direct health risks to vulnerable populations.
Loss of Biodiversity: Bangladesh is home to diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests in the Sundarbans, which are sensitive to climate change. Rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and increased salinity can threaten biodiversity and ecosystem services, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Migration and Displacement: Climate change-induced impacts such as sea-level rise, flooding, and cyclones can force communities to migrate from vulnerable areas to safer locations, leading to internal displacement and potential conflicts over resources and land.
Respiratory illnesses are likely to increase with rising temperatures and humidity. A 1°C increase in temperature increases the likelihood of contracting a respiratory infection by 5.7 percentage points, whereas a 1 percent increase in humidity increases the chances of catching a respiratory infection by 1.5 percentage points.
Waterborne diseases like cholera are likely to decrease with rising humidity and temperatures. A 1 percent increase in relative humidity reduces the probability of contracting waterborne illnesses by 1.6 percentage points, whereas a 1°C increase in mean temperature reduces the likelihood of respiratory infections by 4.2 percentage points.
Dengue is likely to increase in Dhaka as the climatic conditions become more suitable. Humidity in the range of 60 to 80 percent, a maximum temperature between 25°C and 35°C, and rainfall between 200-800 mm create ideal conditions for mosquitoes. Weather data between 1976 and 2019 indicates Dhaka is experiencing falling humidity levels, rising temperatures, and heavier summer rainfall. These, together with factors like urbanization, are increasing the risk of the spread of dengue in Dhaka city.
Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts at both national and international levels, including measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to changing conditions, improve disaster preparedness and response, and enhance resilience in vulnerable communities.
To know the cause of climate change in Bangladesh, click below:
https://weatherclash.com/index.php/2024/05/09/causes-of-climate-change-in-bangladesh/
