Climate Crisis and Coastal Communities: An Urgent Call for Action
Residents of southwestern Bangladesh, particularly in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat, are facing severe challenges due to rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion. This environmental crisis is undermining soil fertility, disrupting access to clean water, and endangering lives. The region’s embankments are failing, exacerbated by a series of powerful cyclones that have hit in recent years.
At a recent press conference organized by the Climate Action Forum in Satkhira, environmentalists highlighted the urgency of the situation. Madhav Chandra Dutta, the General Secretary, shared alarming statistics from global studies, indicating that Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change. A survey by the international research body Maplecraft ranks Bangladesh first out of 170 countries in terms of climate vulnerability. Furthermore, the World Risk Index 2023 lists Bangladesh as ninth in global risk.
Experts warn that by 2050, nearly 17% of Bangladesh could be affected by rising sea levels, endangering 30% of arable land. Projections suggest that by 2100, parts of the southwestern coast could vanish under water, risking displacement for up to 10 million people.
The impact of cyclones has already been devastating. Cyclone Sidr in 2007 caused losses of about Tk 11,560 crore. Subsequent storms like Cyclone Aila, Fani, and Amphan inflicted further damage, totaling billions in economic losses. In 2024 alone, Cyclone Remal resulted in a staggering loss of Tk 6,880 crore. These disasters not only cause economic strain but also lead to mental health struggles and forced migration as people abandon their homes in search of better opportunities.
Embarking on a quest for solutions, the speakers at the conference underscored the critical need for well-maintained embankments, which serve as protective barriers for coastal communities. Unfortunately, many of these structures are in disrepair, allowing brackish water to contaminate drinking supplies, leading to health crises such as diarrhea and other waterborne diseases.
The environmental budget has consistently declined over the past decade, failing to meet the increasing demands of climate adaptation. In a review of the last ten fiscal years, the proportion of the budget allocated for climate and environmental initiatives has dropped from 8.21% in 2016-17 to just 4.86% in the proposed budget for 2023-24. This trend signals a lack of proper planning and urgency in addressing climate issues.
Environmentalists call for not just funding, but a comprehensive plan that includes local needs and experiences. The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plays a vital role in protecting coastal areas from storms. Its forest resources also provide livelihoods for millions. Preserving this natural barrier is crucial for both ecological stability and economic viability.
The conference concluded with a unified call for action from the government, businesses, and civil society to create a special fund dedicated to coastal resilience in the next national budget. This collective effort could significantly mitigate the risks faced by millions in the coastal regions of Bangladesh.
As climate change continues to pose existential threats, timely and informed action is essential to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of those who depend on these vulnerable ecosystems.
