Course: ENV107

Summer-2023

Submitted to-

Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman Khan

Professor

Department of Environmental Science & Management

North South University

Submitted by-

Tanvir Rahman Labib

ID: 2212265030

North South University

Date of Submission: 05/11/2023

 EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE BANGLADESH

Introduction: Climate change refers to long-term changes in the Earth's climate

patterns caused mostly by human actions and natural processes. It's a complicated and
important worldwide issue with far-reaching environmental, social, economic, and
political ramifications.

Bangladesh is vulnerable due to Climate Change

Some of the key factors that make Bangladesh one of the most vulnerable countries to
the impacts of climate change:

Flat and Low-Lying Topography: Bangladesh's primarily flat and low-lying

geography, with around 79% of its land area having less than 10 meters of elevation,
making it especially vulnerable to climate change-related sea-level rise, storm surges,
and coastal floods.

High Population Density: With a vast and expanding population, Bangladesh is one
of the world's most densely populated countries. This high population density
complicates the issues of providing for and safeguarding people from climate-related
catastrophes, especially when they result in relocation and loss of livelihood.

Reliance on Climate-Sensitive Sectors: A large section of Bangladesh's population

depends on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and fishing. These industries
are susceptible to the effects of climate change, particularly increasing flooding.
Socioeconomic Conditions: Many individuals in Bangladesh confront socioeconomic
issues, such as poverty and a lack of fundamental amenities. Because vulnerable
populations may have limited resources and capacity to adapt to and recover from
climate-related disasters, these conditions might magnify the negative repercussions of
climate change.

Poor Infrastructure: Much of Bangladesh's infrastructure, such as roads, houses, and

water supply systems, is not designed to resist extreme weather events, making it more
vulnerable to damage from cyclones, flooding, and other climate-related disasters.

Addressing these vulnerabilities is critical for Bangladesh's long-term resilience, and

the country has taken initiatives to adapt to and reduce the effects of climate change.
International cooperation and support are also required to assist Bangladesh in dealing
with these difficulties and building a sustainable future.

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS

Rising Temperature: Rising temperatures can have various consequences, including

more frequent and severe heat waves. Heatwaves can harm human health, diminish
agricultural production, and strain water resources since demand for water for irrigation
and consumption rises during hot seasons.

Population Growth: Bangladesh's growing population, combined with erratic

monsoons and higher precipitation, can worsen flooding, causing damage to agriculture,
infrastructure, and residences. The combination of a growing population and climate-
related flooding heightens the difficulties of catastrophe response, relief, and recovery.

Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels are a major worry for Bangladesh, causing coastal
inundation and the relocation of inhabitants. As a result of sea level rise, saltwater
intrusion into freshwater sources exacerbates water scarcity and salinization of
agricultural land. This endangers agriculture and coastal residents' livelihoods even
more.
Natural catastrophes: Due to climate change, natural catastrophes such as cyclones
and storm surges are anticipated to become increasingly common and severe in
Bangladesh. These catastrophes cause considerable damage to infrastructure, including
homes and schools, as well as fatalities. They also necessitate large resources for
disaster preparation, response, and recovery.

Given these obstacles, Bangladesh must continue to undertake climate adaptation and
mitigation measures such as constructing resilient infrastructure, encouraging climate-
smart farming practices, strengthening disaster preparedness, and lobbying for global
climate action. Furthermore, international assistance and cooperation are critical in
assisting vulnerable nations like Bangladesh to effectively handle the effects of climate
change.
Impacts on Agriculture

The points highlighted regarding the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food
security in Bangladesh are crucial factors that contribute to the country's vulnerability:
Crop Damage: Due to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events
such as floods and cyclones, crop damage can be significant. These disasters have the
potential to devastate crops and make it difficult for farmers to recover their losses,
especially when they are already vulnerable owing to inadequate resources.

Changes in Climate Patterns: Changes in climate patterns, such as temperature

increases might interrupt conventional planting seasons. Crop quality and productivity
might be reduced by premature blooming and fruiting. Farmers may struggle to adapt
to these changes, affecting their revenue and food production even more.

Reduced Food Security: Crop production interruptions and changing planting seasons
can have a direct impact on Bangladesh's food security. Because agriculture is a
significant source of income for many people, lower food availability can lead to higher
food prices and decreased access to nutritious food, particularly in vulnerable
populations. This can exacerbate food shortages and malnutrition.

Human Health at Risk

Heat-Related Illnesses: As temperatures rise, heatwaves become more common and

intense, increasing the danger of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat
exhaustion, and dehydration. Vulnerable people, such as the elderly, children, and
individuals with pre-existing medical issues, are especially vulnerable.

Vector-Borne Diseases: Climate change has the potential to modify the geographic
distribution and behavior of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. As
a result of climate change, vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever may
spread as these kinds of vectors find more favorable habitats.

Waterborne Diseases: Changes in precipitation patterns and flooding can contaminate

water supplies with germs, raising the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera,
dysentery, and typhoid. Flooding and water poisoning can have serious repercussions
for public health.
Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health: Climate change can aggravate air pollution,
leading to problems with breathing and cardiovascular disease. Poor air quality caused
by variables such as increasing temperatures and biomass combustion can be hazardous
to public health.

Mental Health Impact: Extreme weather catastrophes like hurricanes, floods, and
wildfires can cause significant psychological discomfort and trauma. Displacement,
housing loss, and community instability can all contribute to mental health issues in
affected people.

Bangladesh must invest in public health infrastructure, establish early warning systems
for extreme weather events, and promote climate-resilient healthcare systems to address
these health-related concerns. Initiatives to minimize air pollution and increase mental
health support can also play an important role in minimizing the health effects of
climate change. International cooperation and support are also required to address these
complex and interconnected concerns.
Biodiversity Loss in Bangladesh

The points mentioned highlight the ecological and environmental impacts of climate
change in Bangladesh:

Loss of Habitats: Rising temperatures and sea levels are causing the destruction of
vital habitats in Bangladesh, including coastal areas, marshes, and forests. These habitat
losses are not only bad for the environment, but they also have consequences for human
groups who rely on these ecosystems for supplies and protection.

Extinction of Species: Many plant and animal species can become extinct as a result
of habitat loss and environmental changes. This biodiversity loss has the potential to
destabilize ecosystems and has cascade impacts on local ecology, potentially changing
the balance of various species in the food chain.

Mangrove Forests: The Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove forests, is
particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise because it is located in Bangladesh. The Bengal
tiger and many other species live in this unique ecosystem, and their survival is
threatened owing to habitat degradation.

Bangladesh must execute conservation initiatives, maintain and restore vital habitats,
and establish marine protected areas to meet these environmental concerns.
Furthermore, sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural, fisheries, and forestry
practices can help offset the effects of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity.
International collaboration and assistance for conservation and sustainable resource
management are also required to address these environmental and ecological concerns.

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Practices

Renewable Energy Sources

Renewable energy sources are means of clean, sustainable power generation that do not
deplete finite resources and have little influence on the environment. Solar energy,
derived from sunlight via photovoltaic panels and solar thermal systems; wind energy,
derived from wind turbines; hydropower, derived from flowing water; geothermal
energy, derived from Earth's heat; and bioenergy, derived from organic materials such
as wood, crop residues, and algae, are among these sources. Renewable energy is
critical to combating climate change and supporting a cleaner and greener future by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy security, and transitioning to a
more sustainable, environmentally friendly energy system.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainable practices include a variety of environmentally beneficial acts that

individuals, corporations, and communities can take to reduce their environmental
footprint. Recycling, which conserves resources and lowers trash, and composting,
which diverts organic matter from landfills while improving soil, are two examples.
Reducing waste through programs such as responsible consumption and trash reduction
helps to reduce the burden on natural resources. Energy conservation, water efficiency,
and sustainable agriculture are all examples of sustainable activities. By implementing
these practices into our daily lives, we assist in achieving a more harmonious
coexistence with our environment, save resources, and lessen the negative
consequences of climate change, thus ensuring a sustainable future for future
generations.
Climate Resilience in Bangladesh Challenges Ahead

Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change,
with rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters, and water
scarcity. The country is also home to a large population of people living in poverty,
which makes them particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

 Despite difficulties, Bangladesh has the potential to build resilience to climate

change and adapt to its effects.

 Several measures have been launched by the government to strengthen disaster

preparedness and response, including the creation of a National Adaptation Plan
and the formulation of a Climate Change Strategy.

 The business sector is also contributing to climate resilience by investing in

renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and catastrophe risk reduction
initiatives.

 However, more has to be done to address the underlying causes of climate

change and to ensure that all communities have the information and resources
they need to adapt to its effects

Conclusion: Climate change is having a severe and far-reaching impact on Bangladesh,

a low-lying and densely populated South Asian country. The conclusion on the impact
of climate change on Bangladesh is quite concerning, emphasizing the need for
immediate action and adaptation strategies.

Reference:

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/environment/world-should-support-
bangladeshs-climate-change-measures-says-gca-chief

https://www.thedailystar.net/supplements/32nd-anniversary/towards-smart-
bangladesh/news/bangladeshs-key-role-combatting-climate-change-3244346

https://www.tbsnews.net/thoughts/impact-climate-change-urban-women-
bangladesh-665170

https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?id=421344