Whether called the ‘Jewel of the Sea’ or the ‘Land of Water’, Bangladesh’s existence is intrinsically linked with water. Just as water is the blessing of this riverine delta, today that same water has become the name of an existential crisis. Global warming and the resulting rise in sea levels are no longer just topics of environmental discussion; for Bangladesh, they are a clear, unambiguous warning signal.
This signal is not new, but its intensity is growing daily. We live in a geographical reality that makes us the most vulnerable in the face of this crisis.
Why is Bangladesh ‘Ground Zero’?
As one of the world’s largest deltas, a vast portion of Bangladesh is not very high above sea level. The country’s coastal region spans approximately 70,000 square kilometers, home to about 40 million people. According to various reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the rate at which sea levels are rising with the increase in average global temperature suggests that by the end of this century, up to one-fifth of Bangladesh’s coastal area could be permanently inundated.
But the danger is not just about losing land. The danger is multi-dimensional, and it has already begun.
Sea-level rise doesn’t just mean erasing parts of the map; it is a ‘slow poison’ that is seeping into the very fabric of our society, economy, and environment.
The Curse of Salinity
As seawater penetrates further inland, the salinity of the soil and groundwater increases. Once-fertile crop fields are turning barren due to salinity. Farmers are losing their traditional lands for rice and vegetable cultivation, forced to switch to alternatives like shrimp farming, which further disrupts the environmental balance. Even more devastating is the crisis of pure drinking water. Millions in the coastal regions, especially women and children, walk miles every day for a single pitcher of safe water. Consuming this saline water is increasing health risks, including hypertension and pregnancy-related complications.
Loss of Livelihood and Climate Refugees
With dwindling agricultural land and fish resources, the people of the coast are losing their millennia-old livelihoods. As their homes and farmlands disappear into the sea, these people are becoming ‘Climate Refugees’. In their struggle for survival, they are crowding into city slums, creating unbearable pressure, especially in Dhaka and Chattogram. This internal migration is an immense burden on the nation’s social structure and urban management.
Erosion of the Natural Shield: The Sundarbans
Our natural barrier, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sundarbans—which single-handedly protects millions during super-cyclones like Sidr or Aila—is also endangered today. Due to sea-level rise and increased salinity, the Sundarbans’ primary tree, the ‘Sundari’, is being afflicted with ‘top-dying’ disease. This degradation of the mangrove ecosystem is not only destroying the habitat of our Royal Bengal Tiger; it is also leaving the entire coastline vulnerable to natural disasters.
Increased Frequency of Disasters
Sea-level rise means that even normal high tides are higher than before. As a result, even small or medium-scale cyclones and tidal surges are now causing horrific damage. The coastal dams and embankments cannot withstand this increased water pressure, leading to a rise in the intensity of erosion.
Bangladesh: A Victim of Global Injustice
The most tragic truth is that Bangladesh is not responsible for this crisis. Bangladesh’s contribution to global carbon emissions is negligible (less than 0.47%). Yet, we are set to be the most brutal victims of climate change. This is a global injustice. Our existence is endangered at the cost of the developed world’s industrialization and consumerism.
This warning signal is not just meant to incite fear; it is a call to awaken. Bangladesh is not sitting idle. In terms of adapting to climate change, Bangladesh is a role model for the world. We have established a ‘Climate Change Trust Fund’ with our own financing and have undertaken a century-long plan called the ‘Delta Plan 2100’. Our success in innovating saline-tolerant crop varieties, constructing higher embankments, building cyclone shelters, and promoting social forestry is commendable.
But this fight does not belong to Bangladesh alone. Firstly, there is no alternative to our own preparation. The urgent repair of coastal embankments, sustainable urban planning, and the dignified rehabilitation of climate refugees are the demands of our time. Secondly, we must raise our voices forcefully in the global arena. The demand for ‘Climate Justice’ is essential today. The developed world must not only reduce its carbon emissions but also ensure adequate technological and financial support for adaptation and mitigation for affected countries like Bangladesh, including the promised ‘Loss and Damage’ fund.
Sea-level rise is not an imaginary or distant threat. It is a present and burning reality. If we do not heed this warning signal in time and respond collectively, it will be impossible to leave a habitable map for our future generations. We must wake up before time runs out.
