The Impact of Climate Change on Bangladesh

Climate change is a big issue for the whole world, but it’s awful for Bangladesh. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries regarding climate change because of its location, geography, and the number of people living in risky areas. It faces rising sea levels, severe storms, floods, and droughts, all worsening due to climate change.

Rising Sea Levels

Bangladesh is a country, with an elevation that's highly vulnerable, to the effects of rising sea levels as global temperatures continue to rise and ice caps melt causing water levels to increase significantly more so in coastal areas may face submergence by the end of the century leading to mass displacement of populations.

The increasing water levels did not pose a danger, to residences. Also leads to "salinization," a process in which saltwater infiltrates the soil making farming challenging due to excessive salt content hindering proper crop growth ability; thus causing difficulties for coastal farmers, in cultivating rice and other crops effectively. 

Cyclones and Floods

Bangladesh often gets hit by cyclones, which are large, deadly storms. Because of climate change, these cyclones are becoming stronger and happening more often. Cyclones like Sidr (2007) and Amphan (2020) caused huge damage, destroying homes, schools, and farmlands, and killing many people. Each year, about 700,000 Bangladeshis are displaced by natural disasters like these. Recently Feni,noakhli,miroshorai, and many places between Dhaka and Chattogram were heavily affected by floods due to heavy rainfall. It took 10-20 days to evaporate the water. The people from there couldn’t get proper food, drinkable water, etc.

The country is also prone to floods because of the many rivers that flow through it. With heavier rainfall and glacier melting due to global warming, the rivers overflow more often. This flooding damages crops, roads, and homes, forcing people to evacuate to safer places.

Impact on Agriculture

Agriculture is a very important part of Bangladesh’s economy. A lot of people depend on farming to make a living. On the other hand climate change is making it hard for them to grow food. Rising temperatures, floods, and droughts are affecting crop yields, the rising seas are making coastal lands unusable for farming because of the salty water. This puts Bangladesh at risk of food shortages. In Rajshahi, Sylhet farmer often gets affected by this kind of problem.  

Farmers are trying to adapt by growing crops that can survive these harsh conditions, but it’s not easy. In some areas, farmers have given up on farming altogether because their land has become too salty.

Climate Refugees

People displaced by climate change. 

With the increase, in regions becoming unfit for living due to floods and cyclones causing rising sea levels leading to displacement of people from their homes known as climate refugees who are relocating to centers like Dhaka facing issues of overcrowding and scarcity of employment opportunities and housing along with resources, for sustenance. Because of these refugees, there are more slums were created in Dhaka.

Conclusion

Bangladesh faces a challenge, with climate change as it impacts millions of individuals, with sea levels and more intense cyclones that harm agricultural lands too. Limited progress has been made by the government and global organizations in tackling these challenges. However, Bangladesh requires increased assistance to safeguard its citizens and territories from the consequences of climate change. 

Ultimately Bangladesh is putting forth its effort to adjust; however, the global community must join forces in combating climate change before reaching a tipping point.