Bangladesh - the Most Vulnerable Country to Global Climate Change

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).
In Bangladesh, Poverty and Natural Resource Dependence are Strongly Linked

A little village in the Chittagong Hill TractsSeventy-percent of Bangladeshis depends on natural resources (wetlands and forests) for their livelihoods. Poverty is mainly rural (53% rural headcount poverty, 37% urban). Seventy-seven percent of rural households say they are at break-even or deficit status. Within this bracket, 18% comprise the hardcore poor who are always in deficit. The rural poor are traditionally the most natural resource dependent and landless communities whose lives are totally dependent on natural capital.

Degradation of natural capital and biodiversity has a serious and direct impact on the food security, nutrition and income of the poor. The people of Bangladesh have a historical dependency on the floodplain system for their livelihood security. An estimated 70 million rural households rely on food and income from the wetlands to survive in one of the world’s poorest countries. Around one million people are estimated to fish full time, and 11 million are involved part time – and four out of every five rural dwellers are dependent to some extent on aquatic resources. These resources are estimated to supply between 60% and 80% of the animal protein needs of the country, as well as being a key source of essential minerals, vitamins and fatty acids which are vital factors in child development and adult health. Between 1995 and 2000, freshwater fish consumption fell by 38% among poor wetlands inhabitants. Open water fish that used to supply 80% of the animal protein consumed, in particular by the rural poor, now supply less than 60%. Sustainable management of the bio-diverse natural capital is, therefore, central to poverty reduction in the Bangladesh context
source:/www.usaid.gov