Unlocking Insight: How Bangladesh is Navigating Climate Change Migration Patterns

Bangladesh is one of the countries most affected by climate change. With rising sea levels and more frequent natural disasters, many people are forced to leave their homes. A recent study from ETH Zurich sheds light on the movement of these climate migrants, revealing some unexpected trends.

Korail, a large slum in Dhaka, is home to about 50,000 residents. Among them are Salme and Shajahan, who moved from the island of Bhola to find work after losing their homes to natural disasters. Bhola, like much of Bangladesh’s coast, is increasingly vulnerable to cyclones, which are becoming more intense.

Salme shares her struggles: “I am a widow living with my son in a broken-down home. We can’t go back to Bhola; our land has vanished.” While there is work available nearby in Gulshan, the future feels uncertain.

Shajahan also faces challenges. He tells a reporter, “The land we live on isn’t ours; it belongs to the government. We could be evicted anytime.” He and his family, including seven children, have faced eviction before. The plight of Salme and Shajahan represents a growing number of people displaced by climate change.

Researcher Jan Freihardt explored this issue through a four-year study involving 2,200 people living along the Jamuna River. He found that climate-driven migration is often very localized. More than 10% of participants had to leave their villages, with most relocating to nearby areas rather than moving to distant cities or countries.

Bangladesh has a population of over 170 million and is regarded as a hotspot for climate change impacts. Besides cyclones, it faces severe droughts and regular flooding caused by heavy rainfall and glacial melting in the Himalayas.

Contrary to popular thought, many climate migrants do not travel far from their homes. The International Organization for Migration defines climate migration as the movement of people driven by environmental changes due to climate change, usually staying within their own countries.

Jan Freihardt emphasizes the need for accurate information on climate migration. Misconceptions can fuel political rhetoric that stokes fear, particularly regarding migration from affected regions to urban centers or other countries.

In Bangladesh, migration is not new — about 7.4 million Bangladeshis lived abroad in 2020, with remittances accounting for a significant part of the country’s economy. However, as climate impacts grow, the number of climate migrants is expected to rise.

Experts warn that cutting aid to climate-affected communities could lead to more migration. Prashant Verma from Helvetas highlights that without support to rebuild, many people may feel compelled to leave their homelands in search of a better life.

In the Sundarbans, another area facing climate challenges, researcher Jinat Hossein studies soil salinization and its effects on migration patterns. While some people temporarily leave for work, the situation remains difficult. Those who can adapt with proper support are more likely to stay in their communities.

Despite the obstacles, many Bangladeshis prefer to remain at home, valuing security and stability over migration. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that Bangladesh is pioneering initiatives to support climate migrants effectively within their original areas.

Ultimately, effective solutions to the growing challenges posed by climate change are essential for the people of Bangladesh. Addressing the needs of climate migrants and providing support will be crucial for their survival and well-being.

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