Unwrapping Climate Change: Real Climate Impact on Bangladesh

Climate change is an undeniable global crisis that affects every corner of the world. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, the impact on communities and individuals is undeniable.

This paper explores real-life stories of people and communities impacted by climate change, highlighting the devastating consequences and the inspiring resilience they exhibit in the face of adversity.

Real-life stories of people in Bangladesh and their real climate impact

Bangladesh, situated in the world's largest delta, faces the brunt of climate change's adverse impacts. The country's vulnerability is evident from the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and environmental stress. This essay presents real-life stories of people in Bangladesh and their real climate impact, shedding light on the challenges they face due to the changing climate.

Bhokul's Struggle with Riverbank Erosion

Bhokul, a woman from Dalbanga South in the southern coastal region of Bangladesh, shares her heart-breaking tale of the impact of riverbank erosion on her family's life. In the 1960s, her family lost a significant portion of their land to the relentless force of the river. Prior to the erosion, they never worried about their livelihoods, relying on the abundant crops from their fields.

However, as the river swallowed their land, their economic security crumbled, plunging them into poverty. The loss of fertile land led to debt, making their livelihood unsustainable. Unable to generate sufficient income from the rice harvest, the family lost their last piece of land, leaving them in scarcity [3].

For Bhokul and many others living in coastal areas, early warning systems for cyclones are a lifeline. The Bangladesh Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) was established after the devastating 1970 Bhola cyclone, aiming to provide timely alerts and minimize losses and damages associated with extreme weather events.

However, Bhokul reveals that the existing early warning system, consisting of flags, megaphones, sirens, and volunteers, does not always work efficiently. People sometimes receive warnings too late or choose not to evacuate, hesitant to leave their livelihood assets behind. For Bhokul, functional early warning systems are crucial for her survival and livelihood [3].

Migration and the Climate Refugee Crisis

Climate change has spurred an increasing number of climate refugees in Bangladesh. Rising sea levels, floods, and river bank erosion have displaced millions of people, forcing them to leave their homes and search for new opportunities. Many migrate to the capital city, Dhaka, where they encounter challenges in adapting to the urban environment.

Most climate refugees are ill-equipped with the skills needed to find suitable work, leading to their engagement in hazardous and harmful occupations, such as shipwrecking yards. The lack of opportunities drives desperation, pushing some to embark on dangerous journeys across the Bay of Bengal in search of a better life in South East Asia [1].

The Impact of Salinization and Sea-Level Rise

Rising sea levels pose a severe threat to Bangladesh, where two-thirds of the country is less than 15 feet above sea level. Coastal areas, home to about a third of the population, are particularly vulnerable to inundation and salinization. Salinization is the process by which salt infiltrates agricultural land, hindering crop growth and contaminating drinking water sources.

Salty, contaminated water can lead to health issues for coastal communities. The Sundarbans, the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest, which protects Bangladesh from cyclones, is also at risk of submersion due to rising seas [2].

ONGOING EFFORTS AND CHALLENGES

Nature-Based Solutions and Locally-Led Adaptation

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) involve protecting, restoring, or sustainably managing natural ecosystems to simultaneously improve biodiversity and benefit local communities. In Bangladesh, examples of NbS include the protection of the Sundarbans, the management of Tanguar Haor, and agroforestry practices in greater Mymensingh [4]. These initiatives not only help preserve biodiversity but also provide ecosystem services that support the livelihoods of local communities.

Locally-led adaptation (LLA) is an essential aspect of climate resilience, focusing on empowering local people, organizations, and governments to prioritize, plan, and implement adaptation measures at the grassroots level [4]. In 2022, Bangladesh made significant progress by approving the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for the period 2023-2050, which embraces both NbS and LLA [4]. The NAP identifies 21 adaptation actions, requiring an investment of USD 5.9 billion, to enhance ecological management, ecosystem restoration, and conservation efforts in the country [4].

Endorsing the principles of LLA developed by the Global Commission on Adaptation (GCA) will further strengthen the local-level decision-making process, ensure social equity, and promote collaboration between stakeholders [4]. Capacity development plays a crucial role in mainstreaming NbS and LLA, and efforts are being made to train government officials across sectors in NbS and disaster impact assessment [4]. However, more extensive capacity development initiatives are needed for LLA to empower local actors effectively.

National Adaptation Plan (NAP)

The approval of the NAP marks a significant step forward in Bangladesh's climate policy. The plan outlines comprehensive strategies to address the impacts of climate change and enhance the country's resilience over the next three decades [5]. By incorporating NbS and LLA, the NAP recognizes the importance of nature-based approaches and community-led efforts in tackling climate challenges.

The NAP focuses on ecological management, ecosystem restoration, and conservation, indicating a shift towards sustainable and nature-based adaptation measures. These actions aim to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems while enhancing climate resilience [4]. The plan emphasizes the need for collaboration between national and local-level governments, private agencies, NGOs, and development partners to ensure effective implementation [4].

Efforts to combat climate change in Bangladesh involve various stakeholders and organizations. The International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) has played a crucial role in mainstreaming climate change concepts and practices into the country's planning [4]. Collaborative events and consultations have been held to discuss the economic recovery potentials of NbS and understand the future of LLA [4].

Despite progress, challenges remain in fully elaborating the meaning of LLA in the NAP and promoting capacity development initiatives for local actors [4]. Continued support and investment from international partners are vital for the successful implementation of climate adaptation strategies in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

Climate change is no longer an abstract concept but a harsh reality faced by communities and individuals worldwide. Extreme weather events continue to wreak havoc, leaving lasting impacts on livelihoods, health, and the environment. Vulnerable communities, especially those of color and marginalized backgrounds, face greater challenges in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Sharing these real-life stories of climate impact is crucial in building a sense of community and collective action. By highlighting the struggles and resilience of those impacted, we can spur positive change, advocate for equitable climate policies, and work towards a sustainable future for all. It is essential for every individual to be aware of their role in mitigating climate change, making conscious choices, and supporting efforts to protect the planet.

The real-life stories of people in Bangladesh showcase the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. Riverbank erosion, floods, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events have upended lives, leading to displacement, poverty, and uncertainty. Early warning systems and adaptation measures are critical for the survival and livelihoods of those living on the frontlines of climate change. Urgent attention, increased media focus, and international cooperation are needed to address the challenges faced by the people of Bangladesh and to implement sustainable solutions that can mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The real climate impact in Bangladesh is evident, with extreme weather events and rising sea levels posing severe challenges to the country's environment and society. Nature-Based Solutions and Locally-Led Adaptation are crucial approaches that hold promise in building climate resilience and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

The approval of the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) reflects the country's commitment to addressing climate change challenges and provides a roadmap for sustainable adaptation efforts in the coming decades. As Bangladesh moves forward in its climate change adaptation journey, collaboration between various stakeholders and continued international support will be essential in achieving a meaningful and lasting impact.

REFERENCES:

1. Baksh, S.W. (no date) Danger in Delta: The story of millions of climate victims in Bangladesh, Master of Development Practice. Available at: https://mdp.berkeley.edu/danger-in-delta-the-story-of-millions-of-climate-victims-in-bangladesh/

2. How the climate crisis is impacting Bangladesh (2021) The Climate Reality Project. Available at: https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/how-climate-crisis-impacting-bangladesh  

 3. Karlsson , D.S.A. (2017) This Bangladeshi woman can tell you how real climate change is, The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/this-bangladeshi-woman-can-tell-you-how-real-climate-change-is-68212 

4. Irfanullah, H.M. (2022) What awaits Bangladesh’s climate change adaptation in 2023?, The Daily Star. Available at: https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/news/what-awaits-bangladeshs-climate-change-adaptation-2023-3207331

5. National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh (2023-2050). [Online]. Available: https://www4.unfccc.int/sites/SubmissionsStaging/Documents/202211020942---National%20Adaptation%20Plan%20of%20Bangladesh%20(2023-2050).pdf