Climate change: The fight of 21st century

Bangladesh today is standing in the first row of the global climate hazard. Once praised for combatting natural calamities with remarkable resilience and strength, this country now faces a variety of social, economic and environmental subjects that are rapidly overpowering its capacity to adapt. Preserving the environment should get the highest priority as world is the only place mankind has and adapting with it essential for its survival.

 

As per World Risk Index 2023, currently Bangladesh is placed in the ninth position among countries which are exposed to the vicious effects of climate change. The country is in more fragile position due to its weak infrastructure, increasing population and poverty. As per statistics and research, if the current infrastructure is not developed it is likely that the nation will lose 17% of its land mass beneath the rising sea by 2050. This will sweep away homes, businesses and even entire communities. The changes in environment has already started affecting us with shortage of rain and intrusion of saltwater in coastal areas. This country is in the verge of losing its once fertile lands for which it was famous in the world. This will bring about a huge change in the demography and economy of the country and also beyond its border risking regional stability and creating humanitarian crisis. Due to unplanned urbanization, deforestation and for hampering the nature's process in many ways, Mother Nature gets furious time to time and unleashes its wrath by floods, earth quakes, tsunamis etc.

 

 

Uncontrolled Migration to Crowded Cities: One of the most visible impacts of raising sea level is found in the exodus of people from rural areas to the urban cities. Due to melting ice of Himalayan glaciers, rivers are becoming volatile and unpredictable in turn which is fueling both floods and prolonged water logging. Another serious issue currently faced by this nation is land erosion which is washing away arable lands, communities and village after village. It is assumed that 55% of land area is regularly affected by floods and erosion which is destroying productivity and displacing people to city or so called safer areas.

Due to losing their lands and prolonged arrangements of supporting the displaced people ultimately, they are forced to migrate to cities and this is creating the hazard of doubling the population density in urban areas, which in turn is increasing the possibility of other related hazards. As per statistics of 2021, national population density is increased to an alarming state of 1,301 person per square kilometer and in dense cities like Dhaka it has soared over 20,000 making it the most crowded cities of the world.

This ongoing migration has created a huge vulnerability in the eco system of major cities like Dhaka, Khulna, Chottogram and Rajshahi which absorbs 90% of internal migrations in this country. Most of them are migrating without prior arrangements or resources, crowding the already overcrowded areas, expanding slums and living in unsafe and unhygienic environment. It is estimated that around 4.4 million people are now living in these precarious conditions denied of clean water, sanitation and stable employment.However, with the dream of better job opportunity and better life approximately 1500-2000 people migrate to Dhaka city every day. Most of the rural dwellers are uninterested to work in fields as it is hard work. Expansion of industries and other job with better working environment and ease definitely gets priority over working in fields.

 

Apart from not being provided with decent environment to live, these people are struggling to attain a low wage job having no expertise. Burden of rising cost of living and daily necessities often force them to engage in unlawful activities thus boosting crime and violence in cities. Fire hazard, earth quake and other natural calamities also affect them heavily.

Agriculture Under Threat: Bangladesh, which was once an agriculture based economy is decimated by the change in climate. Still 85% of rural households depend on farming but floods, droughts and erratic rainfall are reducing the yields. Rice production is expected to drop 7.4% every year until 2050. Salt water intrusion is also another rising concern which has struck the paddy fields and arable lands making it uncultivable. Due to unpredictable monsoon and rising temperature, use of pesticide and use of ground water has increased which also affects the balance of nature.

 

Due to this collapse in agriculture, currently the nation is facing huge challenge in providing food security, income and basic needs to its citizens. Due to decline in food production cost of living is increasing and raising malnutrition among the poor population of the country. Without investing in climate-resilient farming, sustainable water supply and crop insurance millions are under risk of poverty and hunger. Due to use of chemical fertilizers the natural balance is also at stake. As the cultivable land is decreasing and requirement of more yield from less volume of land is becoming necessary thus, the use of artificial methods and chemicals even some which are destroying our nature's eco system is getting famous day by day.

 

Rising Health Hazards: The consequences of climate change in daily life is severe. It is true that Bangladesh has progressed in lifting standard of life expectancy and reducing maternity and child mortality, but the intense climate emergency threatens to reverse this advancement.

 

Air pollution produced by unregulated factories and pesticide use is worsening the situation. Emission of unregulated smoke and carbon contributes in respiratory infections, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Air pollution already causes about 18% mortality of Bangladesh. Cultivable lands are destroyed and mega factories are built which in turn produces huge amount of carbon and toxic gases affecting nearby population and contribute to global warming.

 

At the same time, rising temperature and dense living condition is raising the outbreak of waterborne and mosquito-borne diseases. Earlier during monsoon Dhaka city used to be struck with Dengue, but the alarming issue is currently even small urban areas are facing threats of such diseases. It is turning into an epidemic. City Corporations are failing to take adequate measures due to lack of funds, supervision, materials and trained manpower.In many areas damaged roads, infrastructures and constructions are also contributing to the factor. Monsoon rains, dirty stagnant water and poor drainage system is the main culprit for creating the ideal environment of such hazards.

 

Noise pollution is also one of the issue caused rapid urbanization and heavy industries. Due to absence of proper law and strict regulation, industrialists are getting massive scope to expand their operation. Some of them does not follow or even care about environment and prioritize their profit over preserving the Mother Nature.Currently noise level of busy areas of Dhaka city such as Farmgate, Shahbag, Kamlapuretc is around 80-110 dB which is way over the safe level of 60 dB. Use of hydraulic horns, engine noise and use of loud speakers with proper regulation also contributes to this issue. The most affected groups are new born and young people. Some often exposed to noise at tender age and exposed to child labor. Small factories without any regulation and inspection by the authority gives a free go to harm the people working there and even nearby dwellings.

 

These intersecting health crises,pollution, malnutrition, and infectious disease are overburdening the healthcare system. Hospitals lack the facilities to cope, leaving the poor to suffer the most.

 

Lack and Excess of Water: One of the most concerning issue highlighted by the environment experts is rising water level due to melting ice and excess rain. Lack of water is also a common issue due construction of dams and obstructing the natural flow of water. Due to rising water level, intrusion of salt water coastal lands are getting uncultivable. The whole eco system is trying to cope up with these changes and a great imbalance is cause by this issue. In city areas where the population is mostly dependent on underground water, are facing difficulty due to low water level. Lack of water source due to urbanization is forcing cities to depend more on deep tube wells and pumps. Density of population and unplanned extraction of water is causing water level to drop thus causing shortage of water during winter.

 

Call for Bold Moves: Bangladesh always stood tall and fought Mother Nature with courage. However, proper policy, mentoring and bold steps by the authority can contribute in reducing this loss manifolds. Proper irrigation system, water drainage and planned foresting is a must to stop the decay in environment and to preserve human life. Making profits must not be a priority when the very existence of mankind is at threat. Utilization of green energy and establishing green industries should be encouraged and patronized by the Government. Strict regulation, monitoring and legal action should be taken to control the industries and ensure proper preservation of nature. Maintaining environment should be the first priority for 21st century as there is no other option. Ensuring that the world remains livable is a must as there is no other alternative.