Bangladesh is moving toward an alarming reality—one where the relentless grip of climate change continues to scar the nation’s geography, economy, agriculture, public health, and everyday life. Despite having contributed the least to global carbon emissions, Bangladesh remains one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic seasonal behavior, increasing sea levels, droughts, and sudden floods have become common elements of the country’s lived experience. At the core of this crisis lies the unjust global development structure and excessive greenhouse gas emissions, primarily driven by centuries of industrialization in developed nations. The root causes of climate change in Bangladesh are largely external—namely the emission of greenhouse gases by industrialized countries. Bangladesh itself contributes only around 0.47% to global carbon emissions, yet bears the disproportionate burden of its consequences. Internally, several environment-degrading practices exacerbate the country’s vulnerability. These include deforestation, the destruction of mangroves, unplanned urbanization, brick kilns, industrial pollution, and a rapidly growing vehicular sector—all contributing to local environmental degradation and worsening climate resilience.
The impacts are deeply felt across every sector. River erosion, cyclones, and excessive rainfall displace millions annually, while rising sea levels increase salinity in coastal regions, severely affecting agriculture, drinking water, and health. Coastal districts like Satkhira, Khulna, and Barguna have already become major sites for climate displacement. According to a World Bank report, up to 13.3 million people in Bangladesh could be internally displaced due to climate change by 2050, putting immense pressure on urban infrastructure and public services. Many of these displaced people are forced into informal settlements in urban slums, where they face a new cycle of poverty, insecurity, and health risks. Economically, the effects are devastating. With agriculture at the heart of the country’s economy, any disruption in crop cycles or soil quality directly undermines national productivity. A single cyclone or prolonged flood can wipe out thousands of hectares of crops and unsettle the country’s food security. Studies suggest that Bangladesh’s GDP could decline by 1 to 2 percent annually due to climate-related impacts, especially in the long run. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates that the cumulative economic loss from climate change in Bangladesh could exceed 9% of GDP by 2100 if urgent action is not taken. Damaged infrastructure, increased health expenditures, and decreased labor productivity further compound this strain on the economy, creating a multi-dimensional crisis.
The health implications are equally alarming. Prolonged heatwaves lead to heat strokes, while waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and chikungunya have become increasingly prevalent. Vulnerable populations—particularly the poor, elderly, and children—face the brunt of these challenges, often lacking access to adequate healthcare and protection. In urban areas, air pollution and poor drainage systems worsen the situation, contributing to chronic respiratory and water-related illnesses. Climate change also has mental health consequences—especially for those repeatedly affected by natural disasters—manifesting as anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders, which remain largely unaddressed in public health discourse. Amid this grim outlook, one critical area remains significantly overlooked: waste management. In densely populated cities like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Narayanganj, thousands of tons of waste are generated daily, most of which ends up untreated in rivers, canals, or landfills. This waste includes plastics, chemicals, heavy metals, industrial discharge, and organic matter—all of which emit carbon dioxide and methane, potent greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change. According to a report by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, over 60% of Bangladesh’s urban waste remains uncollected or mismanaged, making cities hotspots for both pollution and climate risk. Additionally, open burning of waste, unmanaged dumping grounds, and clogged drainage systems not only exacerbate pollution but also contribute to rising urban temperatures, creating dangerous urban heat island effects.
Many developed countries have already incorporated waste management into their broader climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. Bangladesh can also take this path. If waste segregation, composting, recycling, and waste-to-energy initiatives are prioritized, it could significantly reduce emissions and environmental degradation. Municipal composting programs could turn organic waste into fertilizer, while biogas plants can generate renewable energy. Moreover, innovative circular economy models—where waste is treated as a resource—could create green jobs, particularly for the youth, and build more sustainable cities. Furthermore, involving local governments, strengthening city corporations, and promoting citizen awareness can help establish a cleaner, more climate-resilient urban landscape. Bangladesh has made some strides in this regard. The “Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP)” and the “National Adaptation Plan (NAP)” are two major policy frameworks aimed at enhancing climate resilience and adaptation. The country has also set up the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) to finance adaptation projects with domestic resources. However, the implementation of these policies remains weak, largely due to limited resources, lack of local capacity, and over-reliance on foreign aid. Waste management and environment-sensitive urban planning have not yet been fully integrated into mainstream development policy, a gap that needs immediate redress. Coordination among various ministries and local authorities remains fragmented, and climate projects often lack transparency and continuity.
International support and global climate financing mechanisms must also be made more accessible and equitable. Despite being a climate-vulnerable country, Bangladesh receives a disproportionately low share of global climate funds. Mechanisms like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) need to prioritize funding for climate adaptation in countries like Bangladesh. More importantly, climate financing must not come with complex conditions or high-interest loans that further strain the already fragile economies of the Global South. Climate change is not a challenge for the environment ministry alone—it demands a cross-sectoral, integrated approach. Alongside the Ministry of Environment, the ministries of agriculture, health, local government, education, and planning must be mobilized in a coordinated manner. Environmental education should be integrated into the national curriculum to equip future generations with the knowledge and tools needed to confront this crisis. Youth participation and grassroots engagement are key in building long-term resilience. In particular, youth-led initiatives for clean energy, waste management, and urban greening projects can act as catalysts for systemic change.
Most importantly, this crisis is not just the government’s burden to bear—it belongs to every citizen. Simple changes in daily habits—reducing plastic usage, managing waste responsibly, planting trees, conserving energy, and embracing renewable energy—can collectively bring about significant impact. Climate change is not a future event; it is happening now, and its consequences are unfolding in real-time. If Bangladesh hopes to protect its existence and ensure a sustainable future, it must become more vocal on the global stage for climate justice. At the same time, a domestic transformation is essential—one that builds a solid foundation of environmental policy backed by effective governance, community engagement, and sustainable urban systems. Waste management, land use, energy policies, and public awareness must all be aligned as part of a comprehensive climate action strategy. Development and environmental preservation are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the future depends on balancing the two. By building a bridge between sustainable growth and climate resilience, Bangladesh can carve out a blueprint for survival—one that not only shields its people from environmental catastrophe but also inspires the world in the fight for planetary justice.
Nayeem Islam Nibir is a young generation political leader, columnist and television program researcher.
He can be reached at nayeem.nibirr@gmail.com
