Photo: Messenger
Few countries on Earth exemplify the deep inequity of the climate crisis as starkly as Bangladesh. Despite producing only 0.56% of global emissions, Bangladesh ranks seventh on the list of countries most vulnerable to climate devastation, according to Germanwatch’s 2021 Global Climate Risk Index (CRI). This disparity highlights a profound injustice: those who contribute the least to climate change are often the ones who suffer the most.
The impact of climate change in Bangladesh is not an abstract threat; it is a harsh reality. Between 2000 and 2019, Bangladesh experienced economic losses worth $3.72 billion and faced 185 extreme weather events directly attributed to climate change. This vulnerability stems largely from the country’s geography. Located east of India on the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh is crisscrossed by numerous waterways, including the Ganges River, which contribute to its fertile soil and facilitate extensive travel and trade. Additionally, the Sundarbans—the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest—provides both a livelihood for locals and a habitat for rich biodiversity.
However, the very features that make Bangladesh unique also render it highly susceptible to climate change. The rise in sea levels, increased frequency of cyclones, and erratic rainfall patterns pose significant threats to the country's population, agriculture, and infrastructure. The Sundarbans, for instance, are at risk of being submerged, which would not only disrupt local ecosystems but also displace millions of people who depend on the forest for their survival.
Climate change is driven primarily by the world’s largest carbon emitters: China, the United States, and other industrialised nations. These countries are responsible for nearly half of the world’s carbon emissions, with Australia emitting the most per capita. In stark contrast, Bangladesh’s carbon emission rate is a mere 0.2%. Yet, the country is among the most affected by the consequences of climate change. This imbalance underscores the necessity for developed nations to take responsibility and assist vulnerable countries like Bangladesh in coping with the adverse effects of climate change.
Environmental scientists have long warned that Bangladesh would bear the brunt of climate change. They predict increased flooding, more intense cyclones, rising sea levels, and greater salinity in coastal areas. These changes threaten to inundate vast tracts of low-lying land, disrupt agriculture, and destroy infrastructure. The severe flooding in the Sylhet region this year, exacerbated by heavy rains in upstream India, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change. Conversely, rivers like the Padma, Brahmaputra, and Teesta are suffering from reduced water flow due to unilateral water withdrawals upstream, pushing parts of the country towards desertification.
According to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) study, the annual average temperature in Bangladesh is expected to rise by 1.4 degrees Celsius by 2050. This temperature increase will be more pronounced in winter than in monsoon seasons, leading to shorter winters and hotter summers. Such changes could disrupt the country’s traditional six-season cycle, potentially condensing it into just four distinct seasons. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, climate change could displace 13 million people in Bangladesh’s coastal areas. Currently, around one million people are already climate refugees, moving to urban areas annually due to rising sea levels, increased salinity, river erosion, and storm surges.
While rapid industrialization and energy consumption are essential for development, they also drive climate change and sea level rise, posing severe risks to the entire planet. Scientists predict that without significant intervention, the future could hold even more dire consequences. However, they also believe that, with appropriate measures and programs, it is possible to mitigate these impacts. Key strategies include improving energy efficiency in production, transportation, and consumption, increasing the use of solar and other renewable energies; enhancing irrigation systems to reduce methane emissions from paddy fields; processing domestic and industrial waste scientifically; and expanding afforestation efforts.
A BBC report highlights that the number of days with temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius has doubled since the 1980s. From 1980 to 2009, there were an average of 14 such days per year, which increased to 26 days annually between 2010 and 2019. NASA’s recent heatwave map shows extreme temperatures in cities like Seville (42.2 degrees Celsius), Ahvaz (46.5 degrees Celsius), and Shanghai (37.6 degrees Celsius). Many cities in the Middle East reported maximum temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees Celsius. In Bangladesh, the highest temperature recorded was 39 degrees Celsius in Sayedpur, Nilphamari, with most districts in Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions experiencing temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius. Similarly, many cities in India reported temperatures above 46 degrees Celsius.
These escalating temperatures and frequent extreme weather events underscore the urgency of addressing climate change. The severe environmental changes we are witnessing—rising temperatures, sudden floods—are alarming and demand immediate action. We must all be proactive in preventing further climate change and mitigating its impacts. It is imperative that we preserve our planet for future generations.
To save our beautiful world, we must unite in our efforts to combat climate change. This requires a concerted effort from all nations, particularly those most responsible for carbon emissions. Developed countries must provide financial and technical support to vulnerable nations like Bangladesh to help them adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Together, we can ensure a sustainable and livable world for all.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s plight exemplifies the deep inequity of the climate crisis. While contributing minimally to global emissions, it suffers disproportionately from the effects of climate change. It is a moral imperative for the global community to support Bangladesh in its struggle against climate change, ensuring that those who are least responsible for the crisis do not bear its heaviest burdens.
The writer is a Public Health Expert, Associate Professor, CDCH and Executive Member, Bangladesh Awami Jubo League.
Messenger/Disha
