A case study on
Climate Change Adaptation in Bangladesh
[ENV100: Basics of Climate Change]
Section: 2
Semester: Summer 2023
Submitted to
Sharazad Hassan
Adjunct Lecturer
Department of Environmental Science and Management
Independent University, Bangladesh
Submitted by
Group Name: Inferno
Serial
ID Number
No.
1
2220548
Name
Akila Amzad
2
2120890
Sadida Hossain
3
2221964
Lazina Khan
4
2331193
Pranta Chandra Kar
5
2331291
Nur-A Muktadir Azmir
Date of Submission: 22nd August 2023
Table of Content
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Climate Change Adaptation in Bangladesh: ....................................................................................................... 3
Historical Background....................................................................................................................................... 3
Contribution ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Challenges........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Adaptation Strategies ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
References ........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Introduction
Climate Change Adaptation means the process of adjusting natural systems and human society to actual or
expected climate change effect. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable country in the world. The country
is frequently subjected by cyclone climate elements and many rough weathers. Bangladesh is highly
vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially in coastal and low-lying areas, thus preparing for it is a
crucial and continuing effort.
Climate Change Adaptation in Bangladesh:
Historical Background
Thirty years ago, there were three cyclones in a 10-year period. However, in the last decade, climate dangers
have increased in occurrence. The number has increased by three times. Climate migrants are expected to
reach 25 million individuals by 2050 and residence in the Costal Belt. Climate change has caused a number
of natural disasters, such as river bank erosion and others, to affect coastal and riverine populations in
Bangladesh from previous years to the now.
For which reason they are compelled to leave their own islands and live on their main continent. Our seasons
also show a marked variation in our weather. Among other things, winter is becoming colder and dryer while
the rest of the year is becoming warmer. (Md. Arif Chowdhury, 2021)
Contribution
Some of the key contributions that are applied in Bangladesh are given below:

The Coastal Green Belt: The coastal Greenbelt works to stop coastal erosion and lessen other natural
risks by planting trees and establishing forests along the beaches. (Shaw, 2018). The
Bangladesh government launched the "Coastal Green Belt Project" planting project in the wake of the
disastrous cyclone in 1991.The 12 coastal areas of Bangladesh were covered by it from 1995 to 2002,
and it was implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

Eco-system Restoration: Ecosystem restoration entails protecting the ecosystems that are still intact
though assisting in recovering of ecosystems that have been damaged or destroyed. (United Nations,
2021).Bangladesh has implemented a lot of programmes such as: Wetland restoration, Forest
restoration, Bio-diversity Protection etc. In 2002–2005, IUCN and CNRS started to restore forests in
Pangnar, Sanuar–Dakuar Haor, and Hakaluki Haor in the framework of the Sustainable Environment
Management Programme (SEMP) initiative.

Disaster Management Systems: Disaster management systems means planning, implementing, and
controlling the effective, cost-effective transportation and storage of materials and supplies, as well as
related data, from the site of introduction to the point of consumption for the purpose of alleviating the
suffering of vulnerable people. (Ehsan Nikbakhsh, 2011). As soon as the cyclone of 1991 passed,
Bangladesh started taking precautions for disasters.
Currently, Bangladesh's National Disaster
Management Act of 2008, National Disaster Management Policy, Standing Order on Disaster, and
National Plan for Disaster Management 2010-2015 serve as the major documents directing the
country's disaster management efforts. (Rajib Shaw, 2013).Different Preparedness program who work
mainly as volunteer to disseminate climate messages and disaster messages which helps to bring people
to the shelter.

Water Management: The government approved a 25-year NWMP in 2004 to help with the National
Water Management Policy's implementation. The plan offers guidance for creating programmes to
improve the management of the nation's water resources. The primary components of the NWMP are
its emphasis on "soft" measures embracing socio-economic dimensions rather than merely hard
engineering approaches and its multi-use approach to water (not just flood protection but also
irrigation, drinking water, and other purposes). In order to unify the management, development, use,
and protection of water resources, the Bangladesh Water Act was passed in 2013. In the legislation,
the supply of basic water is acknowledged as a human right. (Animesh K. Gain, 2017)

Sustainable Agriculture: Bangladesh's efforts to adapt to climate change rely heavily on sustainable
agriculture. Agriculture's services to climate adaptation are enormous. Crop diversification, Integrated
Pest Management (IPM), organic farming, agroforestry, climate-resilient agriculture, etc. are a few
examples.
Challenges
Before initiating any initiatives or program for Bangladesh's adaptation to climate change. Government
encountered some difficulties. Some of the challenges are given below:

Sea level rising: Millions of people in Bangladesh live in low-lying regions, making coastal areas
vulnerable when sea levels rise or rise. Governments need significant funding to protect coastal areas.

Loss of resources and bio-diversity: Large-scale restoration initiatives were unable to be carried out
due to a lack of resources. Agriculture expansion may result in habitat damage and a loss of
biodiversity.

Vulnerability to Natural Disaster: Bangladesh has experienced more frequent natural disasters as a
result of climate change. Such as floods, cyclones, storm surges, droughts etc.

Population pressure: Bangladesh has a very high density of population. Due to the huge population,
it places a lot of pressure on the land and resources, which increases competition for resources and
may result in conflicts.

Water Scarcity: Many communities experienced shortages of water due to changing seasons, mostly
for irrigation and drinking water.
Adaptation Strategies
The other adaptation strategies that can be applied future in Bangladesh are given below:

Enhancing natural disaster risk reduction: In order for communities to receive information about
floods, cyclones, and other natural disasters in a timely manner, early warning systems must be made
available in order to lower the risk of natural disasters. To ensure the safety of the nation's citizens, it
is also vital to provide shelter.

Strengthening climate finance: Large-scale adaptation projects need to be implemented, which
requires international funding and cooperation.

Promoting research and innovation: For better understanding climate local risks and vulnerabilities,
it requires to promote research and innovation which will help to adapt with the climate change.

Enhancing health and social protection: To accurately improve the health systems, one has to deal
with climate-related problems including vector-borne diseases and heat stress. During extreme weather
events, fundamental sanitation and access to clean water should be maintained.

Encouraging renewable energy transition: Renewable energy transition helps to reduce green-house
gases emissions, increasing energy security etc. So, it is necessary to use renewable energy for people
in order to adapt with the climate change.
Conclusion
Bangladesh is still facing numerous challenges like population pressure, political issues etc. Building resilience and
protecting vulnerable populations requires ongoing dedication as well as collaboration at the local, national, and
international levels. Climate change adaptation is still a challenging and changing process.
References
1. Animesh K. Gain, M. S. (2017). From Flood Control to Water Management: A Journey of
Bangladesh towards Integrated Water Resources Management. MDPI.
2. Ehsan Nikbakhsh, R. Z. (2011). Humanitarian Logistics Planning in Disaster Relief Operations.
Logistics Operations and Management, 291-332.
3. Md. Arif Chowdhury, M. K. (2021). Climate change adaptation in Bangladesh: Current practices,
challenges and the way forward. The Journal of Climate Change and Health, 1-8.
4. Rajib Shaw, A. I. (2013). Chapter 3 National Perspectives of Disaster Risk . In A. I. Rajib Shaw,
Disaster Risk Reduction Approaches in Bangladesh (p. 48). Springer.
5. Shaw, U. H. (2018). Improvement of responses and recovery approaches for cyclone hazards in
coastal Bangladesh. Science and Technology In Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia, 409-430.
6. United Nations. (2021). Retrieved from www.unep.org: https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/whatecosystem-restoration