Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country to climate change impact. Being the largest delta in the world located at the downstream of the second largest river system, the country is subject to a series of climatic events. The probable impacts of global climate change (GCC), particularly sea-level rise and the associated impact on ecosystems and economic loss, adds to the already daunting array of environmental issues.
Climate change will change the physiography and demography of Bangladesh. By 2050, 70 million people could be affected annually by floods; 8 million by drought; up to 8% of the low-lying lands may become permanently inundated. In addition to direct inundation of a large population, the sea level rise will certainly result in increased frequency and severity of flooding along the major estuarine rivers. Saltwater intrusion problems will also be exacerbated in coastal aquifers. Some impacts manifesting in erratic weather patterns and unexpected extreme climatic events have already been evident. The most recent cyclone, Cyclone Sidr, hit Bangladesh on November 15, 2007 with an enormous intensity. Winds of 220-240 km/hr and the cyclone’s width of 600 kilometers caused over 3,000 deaths and projected costs of $2.3 billion dollars due to widespread devastation to houses, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Climate change will change the physiography and demography of Bangladesh. By 2050, 70 million people could be affected annually by floods; 8 million by drought; up to 8% of the low-lying lands may become permanently inundated. Climate Change is no longer only an environmental issue; it is a development issue. Bangladesh has prepared through a participatory process the “Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan” (BCCSAP). About US$500 million will be needed immediately, and about $5 billion will be needed within the next 5-10 years. The government has earmarked US$ 45 million. The donors are in the process of setting up a US$ 150 million Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
Climate change will change the physiography and demography of Bangladesh. By 2050, 70 million people could be affected annually by floods; 8 million by drought; up to 8% of the low-lying lands may become permanently inundated. In addition to direct inundation of a large population, the sea level rise will certainly result in increased frequency and severity of flooding along the major estuarine rivers. Saltwater intrusion problems will also be exacerbated in coastal aquifers. Some impacts manifesting in erratic weather patterns and unexpected extreme climatic events have already been evident. The most recent cyclone, Cyclone Sidr, hit Bangladesh on November 15, 2007 with an enormous intensity. Winds of 220-240 km/hr and the cyclone’s width of 600 kilometers caused over 3,000 deaths and projected costs of $2.3 billion dollars due to widespread devastation to houses, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Climate change will change the physiography and demography of Bangladesh. By 2050, 70 million people could be affected annually by floods; 8 million by drought; up to 8% of the low-lying lands may become permanently inundated. Climate Change is no longer only an environmental issue; it is a development issue. Bangladesh has prepared through a participatory process the “Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan” (BCCSAP). About US$500 million will be needed immediately, and about $5 billion will be needed within the next 5-10 years. The government has earmarked US$ 45 million. The donors are in the process of setting up a US$ 150 million Multi Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).
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