Md. Abdullah-Al-Mamun

Bangladesh is at the forefront of countries facing severe climate change impacts. Rising sea levels, increased flooding, salinization of soil, and more frequent extreme weather events are just a few of the challenges the nation must navigate. As climate-related challenges intensify, Bangladesh’s ability to adapt and respond relies on how effectively it can bridge scientific research with actionable public policy and foster international partnerships to drive collective action. Professor Gene Skolnikoff, an expert in science and public policy and MIT professor, has dedicated much of his career to exploring how science and technology intersect with global policy. His approach underscores a crucial point for Bangladesh: the need to base climate strategy on scientific evidence and leverage international cooperation to tackle climate challenges.

Professor Skolnikoff’s research reminds us that climate change is inherently a global issue that transcends borders, requiring both collective international action and local adaptability. As a low-lying country with a dense population, Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable nations. Yet, despite its exposure to climate hazards, Bangladesh has also shown resilience and innovation in climate adaptation.

The nation’s leadership in climate negotiations through platforms such as the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and its role in advocating for climate justice on behalf of developing nations have positioned Bangladesh as an influential voice in the global climate conversation. For Bangladesh to continue leading effectively, it must make the integration of scientific research and technology within its climate policy a priority. Scientific institutions in Bangladesh, like the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) and the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), have made significant contributions to understanding climate vulnerability in the region. However, there is still room to strengthen how research translates into practice, especially in addressing immediate climate risks while ensuring long-term sustainability.

One area where Bangladesh can apply science-based policy effectively is coastal management. Bangladesh’s extensive coastline and low-lying delta make it especially vulnerable to rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and saltwater intrusion. Research shows that Bangladesh’s coastal regions are already experiencing rising salinity levels, which affect not only drinking water supplies but also agricultural productivity, as crops struggle to grow in increasingly saline soil. To address these risks, Bangladesh could implement predictive models and data-driven strategies that allow it to proactively plan for future changes. For instance, scientific modeling can help predict which areas are most likely to experience severe salinization, enabling policymakers to focus resources on developing adaptive infrastructure in those regions.

Such adaptive infrastructure might include raised embankments, mangrove reforestation, and the introduction of salt-tolerant crop varieties. Raised embankments, which have already been constructed along some parts of Bangladesh’s coastline, can help prevent flooding and reduce saltwater intrusion during storm surges. Mangroves, meanwhile, provide a natural barrier against coastal erosion, help trap sediment, and improve biodiversity, offering ecological benefits alongside their protective role. Scientific studies on mangrove regeneration and coastal ecosystems have shown that restoring mangrove forests can significantly mitigate the impact of sea-level rise and reduce the severity of flooding.

By expanding mangrove reforestation efforts along vulnerable coastlines, Bangladesh can build a natural defense system that benefits both people and the environment. Salt-tolerant crops, which have been developed through agricultural research in response to salinity intrusion, provide an example of how Bangladesh can adapt its food systems to climate change. Crops like saline-resistant rice varieties are now being cultivated in affected areas, ensuring that agricultural productivity remains stable even as environmental conditions shift. Expanding research into other salt-tolerant crops and encouraging farmers to adopt them could strengthen food security for communities most affected by salinization.

Agricultural resilience is another critical area where Bangladesh’s climate policy can benefit from Professor Skolnikoff’s insights on integrating science with public policy. Bangladesh’s agriculture sector is highly susceptible to climate variability, with extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and cyclones posing threats to both crop yields and rural livelihoods. To bolster agricultural resilience, Bangladesh can collaborate with international agricultural research institutions, such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to innovate sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices. These partnerships could help Bangladesh gain access to advanced agricultural technologies, including precision agriculture, weather forecasting tools, and resilient crop varieties. Precision agriculture, which uses data to optimize farming practices, can improve crop yields and resource efficiency, helping farmers adapt to climate stresses. Through research-backed interventions, Bangladesh can protect its agricultural sector from climate shocks while promoting long-term food security.

Professor Skolnikoff’s approach also underscores the importance of international cooperation, particularly for smaller nations like Bangladesh that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Addressing climate change on a global scale requires Bangladesh to build and strengthen alliances with countries facing similar climate vulnerabilities while also partnering with advanced economies capable of providing technological support, funding, and resources. For example, Bangladesh can look to the Netherlands, a country renowned for its expertise in water management, as a strategic partner for coastal protection initiatives. The Netherlands has a long history of managing flood risks through innovative solutions such as dikes, sea barriers, and storm surge barriers. By collaborating with Dutch experts, Bangladesh could adopt and adapt water management strategies that fit its unique geographical and environmental context, creating more resilient coastal defenses.

Moreover, engaging with international research bodies like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) can provide Bangladesh with access to the latest climate science, data, and modeling tools. Participation in these global research networks enables Bangladesh to shape its policies based on robust, internationally validated data. It also allows Bangladesh to contribute directly to the global understanding of climate resilience, sharing insights and strategies that other vulnerable nations could benefit from. The IPCC’s work on adaptation strategies offers Bangladesh a wealth of knowledge, from climate risk assessments to effective mitigation approaches. By grounding policy decisions in science, Bangladesh can ensure that its climate actions are targeted, impactful, and aligned with the most recent global research.

Another critical area of focus for Bangladesh is renewable energy development. Transitioning to renewable energy sources not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances energy security—a significant concern for Bangladesh as it grows economically. Currently, Bangladesh relies heavily on natural gas and imported oil to meet its energy needs, leaving the country vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Investing in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, could provide Bangladesh with a more stable and sustainable energy supply.

Collaborations with countries that excel in renewable energy, such as Germany for solar technology and Denmark for wind energy, could provide Bangladesh with technical expertise and access to clean energy technology. Additionally, by promoting research and development within its borders, Bangladesh can create local expertise in renewable energy production, which could eventually reduce reliance on foreign energy sources and generate green jobs within the country. Furthermore, integrating science into climate education and awareness is essential for fostering public support for climate policies. Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change makes it imperative that communities understand the risks and are prepared to adapt. Programs that communicate climate science effectively—through schools, media, and community organizations—can empower people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their own resilience.

Climate education initiatives could cover everything from sustainable farming practices to flood preparedness, ensuring that citizens are equipped to contribute to climate resilience efforts. Working with international partners, Bangladesh could create a curriculum focused on practical knowledge and skills related to climate adaptation, making science a core part of the nation’s response to environmental challenges.

In the realm of diplomacy, Bangladesh can leverage its climate vulnerability to advocate for stronger global climate action. As a leading member of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), Bangladesh has actively championed the cause of climate justice, calling for developed nations to reduce emissions and provide financial support to those most affected by climate change. By strengthening its diplomatic efforts, Bangladesh can continue to serve as a powerful advocate for climate action and represent the interests of vulnerable nations. This advocacy includes pushing for financial support mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, which provides resources to developing nations to implement climate-resilient projects. Through its leadership role, Bangladesh can draw attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on lower-income countries and call for policies that hold high-emitting nations accountable.

In conclusion, Professor Skolnikoff’s approach to science and policy offers Bangladesh a roadmap for navigating its climate challenges. By integrating scientific research into policy frameworks, fostering international partnerships, and focusing on adaptive strategies that address specific climate vulnerabilities, Bangladesh can lead in climate resilience and advocacy. Coastal management, agricultural resilience, renewable energy, and international cooperation are all areas where science-driven policy can make a significant impact. Bangladesh’s position as both a vulnerable nation and a voice for climate justice places it in a unique role, allowing it to lead by example and inspire other countries facing similar challenges. Through evidence-based approaches, strategic alliances, and proactive climate policies, Bangladesh has the opportunity to build a sustainable, resilient future and contribute meaningfully to the global fight against climate change.

The writer is a, He is a seasoned feature article writer, contributing engaging insights to both national and international news platforms.