Sheikh Mohammad Tajul Islam:

Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world due to its geographical location. According to reports from the United Nations and various international organizations, Bangladesh is among the countries most affected by the negative effects of climate change.

This change is already having a devastating impact on the environment, agriculture, public health, and the economy.

Sea level is continuously rising. Experts say that by 2050, about 17 percent of Bangladesh’s coastal areas could be submerged. This could displace about 20 million people.

Salinity has increased so much in the Khulna, Satkhira, Patuakhali and Bagerhat areas that agricultural production is declining drastically and the crisis of potable water is becoming dire.

Cyclones and tidal waves are now occurring more frequently and with greater intensity. Cyclones Sidr in 2007, Aila in 2009, and Amphan in 2020 have left millions homeless and caused billions of taka in damage.

In addition, about 50,000 people are losing their land every year due to river erosion. To cope with these disasters, people are forced to move to cities, which is increasing the pressure of urbanization and creating social problems.

Bangladesh’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture. But erratic monsoons, prolonged droughts, and flash floods are severely affecting agricultural production. Production of rice, wheat, and jute is declining.

According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Bangladesh’s agricultural production could decline by 15-20 percent in the next few decades due to climate change, threatening food security.

Public health is also at serious risk due to rising temperatures. Various diseases including dengue, malaria, diarrhea, heatstroke are on the rise. According to experts, health risks due to climate change will become a major challenge for Bangladesh in the coming days.

The Bangladesh government has already taken various steps to address the risks of climate change. The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) has been adopted, and the Bangladesh Climate Trust Fund has been formed. However, the lack of funding has become a major obstacle.

Environmental scientist Dr. Ainun Nishat said, “Bangladesh will be the most affected by climate change. International cooperation is essential for adaptation and mitigation. Otherwise, there will be crises in food, water, and public health.”

Finally, climate change is directly linked to the existence of Bangladesh. Effective steps to control global warming to protect people’s lives and livelihoods and rapid implementation of the promised funding from developed countries are now the demand of the hour.

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