Bangladesh among many other countries is bearing the brunt of climate change. But the rich nations, which are responsible for the major global crisis, do not come up with necessary support for the affected countries. Climate change impacts in Bangladesh are increasing at an alarming rate, taking a heavy toll on the lives and livelihood of millions of people. We are talking about the issue when COP30 climate summit is being held in Belem, Brazil.
COP30 enters its final stretch in Brazil as nearly 200 nations push to turn climate pledges into action. Delegates call for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels, with 80 countries backing a clear plan. Talks also focus on tripling adaptation finance to $120 billion annually. This year's climate summit has the goal of turning previous promises into concrete plans.
Bangladesh is being badly affected by climate change. Even with accelerated climate action, continued warming and extreme weather stand in the way of protecting lives and livelihoods.
Devastating floods are happening more often in the country. Climate change is causing pre-monsoon rain every year, destroying summer paddy crop. Alongside extreme weather, sea level in Bangladesh is rising by 3.8 to 5.8mm per year.
Climate impacts are already damaging country’s ecosystems, livelihoods, infrastructure and food security. Extreme heat exposes workers to heat stress, costing lives and reducing productivity. Tropical cyclones and associated storm surges destroy homes and disrupt coastal livelihoods. Sea level rise is forcing people to leave their homes and has increased land affected by saline soils.
Bangladesh is recognised as a global leader in adaptation and resilience. In 2005, Bangladesh was one of the first least developed countries to develop a national adaptation programme of action.
In southern Bangladesh, projected sea level rise could displace 0.9 million people by 2050 and more saline waters could disrupt fisheries, disproportionately affecting coastal people, particularly, fishermen. Sea level rise exacerbates the risk from tropical cyclones.
Extreme weather patterns, natural hazards and food and water shortages are threatening the lives of people living in poverty. It has been estimated that by 2030, climate change could push more than 120 million more people into poverty.
The countries that rely on agriculture, and are in the warmer parts of the world, are more vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change.
Climate change is driving hunger and displacement in the countries most vulnerable and least prepared for its worst effects of climate change. Some of them are in West Africa.
We hope, global leaders will come up with an effective action plan with necessary financing at COP30 summit to help all the countries to cope with the losses they suffer due to climate change.
