QUOTING a study of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), news media reported that increased natural disasters and loss of livelihoods due to climatic factors would displace around 60 lakh people from their homes in Bangladesh. Coastal districts are very vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, tidal floods, salinity intrusion and sea level rise, while drought, flash floods and riverine floods have made public life very difficult in the north and northeast region of the country and it could trigger a mass internal exodus. As a frontline state in the fight for survival against the impact of global warming, Bangladesh’s preparedness to combat the climate change impact is not visible yet. The government should take all plans and programs taking into account the climate change impact by giving it the highest importance.
Bangladesh is a much smaller emitter of greenhouse gases than the developed nations but is on the receiving end of its consequences. Alarmingly, around 96 lakh people, excluding temporary and seasonal migrants, could migrate internally due to climatic factors between 2011 and 2050. Increased temperatures and variations in rainfall are the most prevalent climate change elements affecting the lives and livelihoods of people in recent years. Experts emphasized that alternative livelihoods for the affected people would have to be ensured which would discourage migration. The lack of preparedness to combat the impact, shortage of fund and technical knowledge, limited international assistance, and dearth in coordination between government and NGOs have to be addressed before the disaster hits.
To be fair, the very advanced nations, who are still dithering over the issue, need to see reason and accept their responsibility in the matter and grant funds to help the climate refugees and nations. The polluters should make a firm commitment to allocate adequate funds in order to help out the most vulnerable nations in their struggle to save themselves as well as the world at large from an impending cataclysm.
Notably, the Cyclone Sidr had exposed 3.45 million households to inundation. A potential return of similar cyclones could expose people to more than 3 meters of inundation affecting agriculture and lives. The affected people will throng at different urban centers and destabilize civic amenities in cities and the life standard in the cities would fall. So, Bangladesh has genuine reasons to be worried.
Bangladesh is a much smaller emitter of greenhouse gases than the developed nations but is on the receiving end of its consequences. Alarmingly, around 96 lakh people, excluding temporary and seasonal migrants, could migrate internally due to climatic factors between 2011 and 2050. Increased temperatures and variations in rainfall are the most prevalent climate change elements affecting the lives and livelihoods of people in recent years. Experts emphasized that alternative livelihoods for the affected people would have to be ensured which would discourage migration. The lack of preparedness to combat the impact, shortage of fund and technical knowledge, limited international assistance, and dearth in coordination between government and NGOs have to be addressed before the disaster hits.
To be fair, the very advanced nations, who are still dithering over the issue, need to see reason and accept their responsibility in the matter and grant funds to help the climate refugees and nations. The polluters should make a firm commitment to allocate adequate funds in order to help out the most vulnerable nations in their struggle to save themselves as well as the world at large from an impending cataclysm.
Notably, the Cyclone Sidr had exposed 3.45 million households to inundation. A potential return of similar cyclones could expose people to more than 3 meters of inundation affecting agriculture and lives. The affected people will throng at different urban centers and destabilize civic amenities in cities and the life standard in the cities would fall. So, Bangladesh has genuine reasons to be worried.
