Assessing the vulnerability of coastal communities to sea-level rise in Bangladesh

Posted: May 31st, 2023

Assessing the vulnerability of coastal communities to sea-level rise in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a low-lying country situated in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly sea-level rise (Rahman et al., 2019). With a population of over 160 million and a coastline stretching 580 km, the country faces significant challenges in adapting to the changing climate (Haque et al., 2022). This research essay aims to assess the vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh to sea-level rise, focusing on the physical, socio-economic, and environmental factors that contribute to their susceptibility.

Physical Vulnerability
The physical vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh is primarily attributed to the country’s low elevation and exposure to extreme weather events. According to Sarker et al. (2020), approximately 10% of Bangladesh’s land area is located within 1 meter above mean sea level, making it highly susceptible to inundation due to sea-level rise. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that global mean sea levels will rise by 0.43 m to 0.84 m by 2100, depending on the emission scenario (IPCC, 2021). This poses a significant threat to the coastal communities of Bangladesh, as even a modest increase in sea levels can lead to widespread flooding, salinity intrusion, and erosion.

Moreover, the coastal regions of Bangladesh are frequently exposed to cyclones, storm surges, and tidal flooding. These extreme weather events, combined with sea-level rise, can cause severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods (Islam et al., 2019). The increased frequency and intensity of such events due to climate change further exacerbate the physical vulnerability of coastal communities.

Socio-Economic Vulnerability
The socio-economic vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh is closely linked to their dependence on natural resources and limited adaptive capacity. A significant portion of the coastal population relies on agriculture, fisheries, and forestry for their livelihoods (Uddin et al., 2021). Sea-level rise, along with salinity intrusion and frequent flooding, can severely impact these sectors, leading to reduced crop yields, declining fish stocks, and loss of biodiversity (Ahmed et al., 2018). This, in turn, can result in food insecurity, loss of income, and increased poverty among the coastal communities.

Furthermore, the adaptive capacity of coastal communities in Bangladesh is constrained by several factors, including limited access to education, healthcare, and social services (Hossain et al., 2020). Poverty, lack of alternative livelihood options, and insufficient government support hinder the ability of these communities to cope with and adapt to the impacts of sea-level rise. This vulnerability is particularly pronounced among marginalized groups, such as women, children, and the elderly, who often bear the brunt of the adverse effects of climate change (Akter et al., 2019).

Environmental Vulnerability
The environmental vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh is characterized by the degradation of natural ecosystems and the loss of ecosystem services. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, plays a crucial role in protecting the coastal regions of Bangladesh from cyclones, storm surges, and sea-level rise (Rahman et al., 2020). However, the Sundarbans are under threat due to factors such as deforestation, salinity intrusion, and changes in hydrological patterns (Abdullah et al., 2019). The degradation of this vital ecosystem can significantly reduce its ability to act as a natural buffer against the impacts of sea-level rise, thereby increasing the vulnerability of coastal communities.

Additionally, sea-level rise can lead to the loss of coastal wetlands, which provide essential ecosystem services, such as water purification, carbon sequestration, and habitat for diverse flora and fauna (Hasan et al., 2019). The destruction of these ecosystems not only diminishes their ecological value but also undermines the livelihoods and well-being of the coastal communities that depend on them.

Adaptation Strategies
Addressing the vulnerability of coastal communities in Bangladesh to sea-level rise requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses both short-term and long-term adaptation strategies. In the short term, measures such as early warning systems, cyclone shelters, and disaster risk reduction initiatives can help minimize the impacts of extreme weather events (Saha & Ali, 2021). Strengthening embankments, improving drainage systems, and promoting salt-tolerant crop varieties can also enhance the resilience of coastal communities to sea-level rise and salinity intrusion (Islam et al., 2021).

In the long term, sustainable coastal zone management, ecosystem-based adaptation, and community-led initiatives are crucial for building the adaptive capacity of coastal communities (Haque et al., 2021). This involves the restoration and conservation of mangroves, wetlands, and other coastal ecosystems, as well as the diversification of livelihoods and the promotion of alternative income-generating activities (Miah et al., 2018). Moreover, effective land-use planning, improved governance, and increased investment in education, healthcare, and social services can contribute to reducing the socio-economic vulnerability of coastal communities (Alam et al., 2019).

The coastal communities of Bangladesh face significant vulnerability to sea-level rise, with physical, socio-economic, and environmental factors contributing to their susceptibility. The low-lying topography, exposure to extreme weather events, dependence on natural resources, limited adaptive capacity, and degradation of coastal ecosystems all exacerbate the vulnerability of these communities. Addressing this vulnerability requires a comprehensive approach that integrates short-term and long-term adaptation strategies, focusing on disaster risk reduction, sustainable coastal zone management, ecosystem-based adaptation, and community empowerment. By prioritizing these measures and investing in the resilience of coastal communities, Bangladesh can better prepare for the challenges posed by sea-level rise and ensure a more sustainable and equitable future for its population.

References:
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