Global Warming and Bangladesh: Existential Crisis and What to Do
Sadia Sultana Rimi
Global warming is a serious crisis worldwide today. Since the industrial revolution, the increasing use of fossil fuels has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, resulting in a gradual increase in the temperature of the earth. The impact of this warming is already evident around the world, of which Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries. Due to its geographical location, population density and economic vulnerability, Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. This report will discuss in detail the current and future risks of Bangladesh due to the effects of global warming, its causes and urgent measures to address them.
Causes of global warming:
The main cause of global warming is the emission of man-made greenhouse gases. Among them, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and fluorinated gases are notable. The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), deforestation, industrial plants and agriculture are the main sources of these gases. Although industrialization and consumerist lifestyles in developed countries are the main causes of these gas emissions, developing countries are also unable to avoid their impact while meeting the needs of their growing population.
Risks to Bangladesh due to global warming:
Bangladesh faces multiple risks due to the impact of global warming. Some of the main aspects are highlighted below:
Sea level rise: Global warming is causing the polar ice caps to melt and the oceans to expand. This is causing sea level rise, which is a serious threat to Bangladesh. Bangladesh's coastal areas, which make up about one-third of the country's total land area, are at risk of being submerged due to rising sea levels. This will displace millions of people and cause agricultural land to become saline, threatening food security.
Increased intensity of cyclones and storm surges: Warmer seas are strengthening cyclones. Global warming is expected to increase both the intensity and number of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. Strong cyclones and their accompanying storm surges will wreak havoc in coastal areas, causing loss of life and property, and destroying infrastructure.
Changes in rainfall patterns and floods: Global warming is causing widespread changes in rainfall patterns. In some places, heavy rainfall is causing severe flooding, while in others, prolonged droughts are occurring. In northern and central Bangladesh, heavy rainfall and landslides cause floods every year, damaging crops and disrupting livelihoods.
Drought and increasing salinity: Drought is a growing problem in the western and coastal regions of Bangladesh. Rising temperatures are drying up the soil and lowering the water table, which is a threat to agriculture. On the other hand, rising sea levels are increasing salinity in coastal areas, which is polluting freshwater sources and making agricultural land infertile.
Health impacts: Global warming encourages the spread of various infectious diseases. Increased temperatures and humidity may increase the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases, dengue, malaria, and other insect-borne diseases. In addition, heat waves can cause heatstroke and other health complications. Lack of clean water and food insecurity will increase the risk of malnutrition and other diseases.
Biodiversity Loss: Many species are unable to adapt to the rapid pace of climate change. Bangladesh's unique biodiversity, especially the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, will be under threat. Due to rising sea levels and increasing salinity, the ecosystem here will collapse and many species will be at risk of extinction.
Economic losses: The economy of Bangladesh will be severely affected by the impact of climate change. The country's economic growth will be hampered due to reduced agricultural production, loss of fisheries resources, destruction of infrastructure and natural disasters. A huge amount of money will have to be spent on the rehabilitation of displaced people and disaster management, which will affect the country's development budget.
Urgent steps to combat global warming:
It is essential to take some effective steps on an urgent basis to protect Bangladesh from the dire consequences of global warming. These steps can be mainly divided into two categories: Mitigation and Adaptation.
Mitigation:
Mitigation refers to actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some important aspects of this in the context of Bangladesh are:
Increase the use of renewable energy: We need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectricity. This requires increased investment and policy support from both the public and private sectors.
Energy conservation and efficiency: Efficiency in electricity generation and use must be increased. Old and inefficient equipment must be replaced with modern and cost-effective equipment. Waste of electricity must be prevented by increasing public awareness.
Transport system development: Effective steps should be taken to improve public transport and reduce the use of private cars. The use of environmentally friendly transport such as electric vehicles and bicycles should be encouraged.
Forest conservation and tree plantation: Forests play an important role in carbon absorption. Therefore, existing forest lands must be protected and large-scale tree plantation programs must be implemented. Emphasis must be placed on social forestry and agroforestry.
Control of industrial emissions: Strict rules and regulations should be formulated to control greenhouse gas emissions from industrial plants and their proper implementation should be ensured. Industrial entrepreneurs should be encouraged to use environment-friendly technologies.
Improving waste management: Methane gas is produced as a result of waste decomposition. Therefore, modern and effective waste management systems must be introduced, through which it is possible to generate electricity and make compost fertilizer from waste.
Adaptation:
Adaptation refers to the steps taken to cope with the inevitable impacts of climate change. Some of its important aspects for Bangladesh are:
Coastal zone protection: To combat the effects of sea level rise and cyclones, sustainable embankments must be constructed and maintained in coastal zones. Natural protection systems must be strengthened through the expansion of mangrove afforestation.
Improve flood management: Flood forecasting systems should be improved and shelters should be built in flood-prone areas. Water drainage systems should be improved through river dredging and management. Development and cultivation of flood-tolerant crops should be encouraged.
Drought preparedness: Arrangements should be made for water conservation in drought-prone areas. Construction of reservoirs to retain rainwater and proper use of groundwater should be ensured. Farmers should be trained on drought-tolerant crops and farming methods.
Increasing salinity tolerance: Farmers should be assisted in developing and cultivating salt-tolerant rice and other crop varieties in coastal areas. Alternative sources of fresh water such as ponds and rainwater harvesting should be developed.
Preparedness in the health sector: Adequate preparations must be made in the health sector to address health risks caused by climate change. Surveillance must be increased to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and the supply of necessary medicines and medical equipment must be ensured. Public awareness must be increased to reduce the risk of heat waves.
Infrastructure development: Sustainable infrastructure must be built taking into account the impacts of climate change. Roads, bridges, dams and other structures must be built in a way that they can withstand natural disasters.
Public awareness and participation: Awareness among the public about climate change and its impacts must be increased. Active participation of the public in both adaptation and mitigation must be ensured. In this regard, education, media and social media can play an important role.
International Cooperation: Global warming is an international problem and international cooperation is essential to address it. Bangladesh can seek compensation and technical assistance from developed countries in alliance with countries affected by the effects of climate change. Bangladesh must play an active role in protecting its interests and achieving its fair share in the international climate conference.
Global warming has created an existential crisis for Bangladesh. Sea level rise, cyclones, floods, droughts and salinity have made the country's future uncertain. It is essential to take urgent and effective measures to address this crisis. Long-term plans for both mitigation and adaptation must be formulated and implemented. Only the combined efforts and awareness of the government, non-governmental organizations, experts and the general public can protect Bangladesh from this terrible threat and help ensure a sustainable and secure future. If the right steps are not taken now, the next generation will face a difficult and adverse future.
The writer is a student atMathematics Department,Jagannath University, Dhaka
