The recent social audit highlights serious challenges faced by communities in the coastal districts of Patuakhali and Barguna, Bangladesh. A staggering 87.4% of residents in these areas are directly impacted by climate change, with 7% already displaced due to disasters.
Conducted by Wave Foundation and the World Resources Institute (WRI), this study was shared at the Climate Governance Symposium organized by WRI. It sheds light on how frequent cyclones, tidal surges, and rising salinity levels disrupt lives, housing, food security, and access to clean water.
Research Director Ahmed Borhan from the Centre for Social Research emphasized alarming findings: many people are being forced to relocate. Around 6.9% have moved to embankments or informal settlements, often lacking essential services.
The audit also pointed out that most local disaster management committees are inactive. In 80% of cases, community suggestions are overlooked in budgets. A whopping 84% of development projects rely on top-down planning, not responding to actual local needs. Transparency is also a concern, as 78% of governance officials lack accountability.
Experts warn that without immediate measures, climate-induced displacement will increase. Wave Foundation Executive Director Mohsin Ali noted that Bangladesh is among the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. He stressed the need for improved community involvement and the strength of local governance.
Key suggestions from the study include regular community meetings for disaster management, open budget sessions, and environmental assessments for infrastructure projects. These steps aim to create more effective climate policies that consider local voices.
Furthermore, the lack of legal recognition for climate migration in Bangladesh came up during discussions. Experts stressed the urgency of establishing support frameworks for those affected, ensuring access to safe water and sanitation.
The situation in these coastal areas is critical. Nearly nine in ten residents are already feeling the impacts of climate change. Strengthening grassroots participation in climate governance is more important than ever to prevent further displacement and vulnerability in these communities. For more details, you can check out the findings from the Wave Foundation.
