The climate crisis is a global challenge, but the crisis has especially grave implications on Bangladesh which has already been vulnerable because of its geographic, climatic and socio economic conditions. Rising temperatures, higher floods, lack of resources are not just numbers, they are reflected in the intimate lives of millions. But within this battle are the seeds of change, the spirit of innovation, and the promise of hope.
This is not a far away phenomenon, climate change is already changing Bangladesh. Every part of this life is being changed: from its agriculture, its coastline. Let us take a closer look at the myriad ways in which climate change is affecting this populous, resource scarce nation.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the Bangladesh economy and the largest employer of the people. Yet, this sector is the most impacted by climate change. Examples of these challenges include unpredictable rainfall, heat waves, floods changing weather patterns are shuffling the farming calendar. Wet and dry outbreaks have caused flooding of crops and farmlands, or irrigation shortages in the case of extended dry spells. Rainfall has become unpredictable and weather extremes have devastatingly wiped out residual crop yields. This puts food security in jeopardy as the nation is more dependent on agriculture for both food and fiscal stability than ever before.
Perhaps the most climate change susceptible part of Bangladesh, are the coastal areas. Lowland areas in these regions have started being submerged due to an increase in sea level.--"Sea level rise beginning to swamp low-lying areas of these regions" This is causing rise in soil salinity, which hinders crop cultivation and freshwater resources are becoming scarce. On top of this, regular cyclones and tidal surges have rendered communities homeless and helpless. Akin to a natural catastrophe, coastal erosion is erasing whole villages and all the heritage they contain. These locations are home to millions of people, now climate refugees as their homes and means of subsistence dissolve into the sea.
The latest shocking consequence of climate change: people dying in big numbers from that climate change is getting worse and worse, and that constellation of deadly health effects it delivers. The warmer and more humid climate provides ideal conditions for breeding and spread of water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Moreover, erratic rains and more standing water have also exacerbated the spread of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. The extreme heatwaves, particularly in cities like Dhaka, are now unbearable for the urban poor and the elderly. Demand for care has gone up and the stretched-thin healthcare system is struggling to keep up. The health sector is not out of the woods yet, but only time will tell.
The challenges of climate change are daunting but not insurmountable, with solutions that go beyond policy alone, as citizens, businesses, and government are all part of the answer. This is how Bangladesh can live up to the call of the hour and lead towards a new sustainable future.
Bangladesh needs to develop climate-resilient agriculture which is adaptable to climate change. It includes the use of crops with water stress resistance, enhanced irrigation systems, as well as sustainable agricultural methods with reduced environmental interactions. Methods such as rain water harvest and organic fertilizers can restore the health of the soils and keep the productivity intact. In addition, the need to equip farmers with climate-smart farming practices and options to manage things accordingly has to be fulfilled so that agriculture continues to survive under the mission of climate change.
Start of awareness and habits: Citizens must realize how serious this is and how to make it different. Climate education should be spearheaded among schools, universities, media, and social platforms. Individual actions like consuming less, conserving water and using energy-efficient devices can bring about substantial cumulative results. The government should also spend on public awareness campaigns that demonstrate climate science well and conversation as a subject against science.
Bangladesh faces a near impossible climate crisis though it also stands to gain from radical change. Working together in creative and bold ways, through renewable energy, afforestation, climate-resilient agriculture, and enhanced awareness, the nation can get on track for a sustainable future. Not just getting by on the adverse effects of climate change, but doing great in the new inclusive green economy. Bangladesh could lead on climate adaptation, a pioneer for other countries that have losses and damages they cannot avoid. United, we can transform change's wasteland into a stream of hope. Now is the time to do something for the only planet we are ever going to have and for future generations.
The writer is a volunteer, UNICEF Bangladesh
