It is worrying to note that some 134 million people in Bangladesh are at risk of declining living standards as a result of erratic climate change. Climate change affects the whole world but because of the geographic location, Bangladesh has long been in the eye of the storm. It is envisaged that Bangladesh will need billions of dollars over the next decade to deal with the existing and upcoming severities of climate change. Bangladesh has done almost nothing to cause global warming unlike America, Australia and Canada as they bear a great deal of responsibility for the emissions already in the atmosphere, certainly relative to Bangladesh. As developed countries are accountable for the severe consequences of climate change, developed countries should provide necessary financial, technological and intellectual support to the developing countries to tackle climate change. Moreover, developing countries like Bangladesh needs a global commitment to face climate challenges.
Human settlements have been affected in Bangladesh due to extreme climate events such as Cyclones Sidr and Aila over past years. One of the most adverse and prolonged impact of climate change in Bangladesh has been observed in the form of climate-migration. Research shows us that climate change will have a massive impact on environment, livelihood, irrigation, ecology and biodiversity.
One of the most adverse and
prolonged impact of
climate change in Bangladesh
has been observed in the
form of climate-migration
In this circumstance, we feel the need for formulating coherent and research-backed policy, legal and institutional framework to address climate migration. Also necessary steps should be taken to protect people from environmental risks and reduce unwanted migration due to climate change.
Taking all into consideration, all stakeholders, including environmentalists, conscious people and NGOs should strive to minimize the adverse impacts of climate change. Authorities in charge should invest in protecting the development gains and increase budget for climate risk reduction. Also there is a need to prioritize the districts vulnerable to climate change and establish a district level funding mechanism focusing capacity building of women, young people and children, and promote green jobs at rural and semi-urban areas which will not only contribute to decreasing vulnerability posed by climate induced displacement and migration but also will fuel our national economic growth.