Bangladesh faces growing disaster challenges due to climate change: Expert

Over the past two decades, Bangladesh has become a front-line nation in the battle against climate change, with increasingly severe natural disasters devastating lives and livelihoods, said Dr Munjurul Hannan Khan.

“From cyclones and floods to landslides, the country has experienced a rising tide of catastrophes, causing loss of life, widespread displacement, and severe economic damage. As the frequency and intensity of these, disasters continue to escalate,” he added.

Khan, executive director of Nature Conservation Management (NACOM), was addressing an event jointly arranged by Change Iinitiative and NACOM on November 14 during the ongoing COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In the programme experts are urging stronger disaster preparedness, international cooperation, and targeted support for vulnerable populations.

Rising Disaster Intensity: A Country Under Siege

Between 2000 and 2024, Bangladesh has faced a succession of increasingly devastating natural disasters. Climate change has intensified the frequency and magnitude of storms, floods, and other extreme weather events, straining the nation’s ability to recover. One of the most catastrophic events, Cyclone Sidr in 2007, left more than 3,400 people dead, and its $1.7 billion economic toll still echoes today.

Most recently, Cyclone Remal in 2024 caused over half a billion dollars in damages, while the June 2024 floods displaced over 502,000 people and left millions of others grappling with the aftermath. As these events become more frequent, Bangladesh finds itself at the mercy of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns that threaten the nation’s survival and stability.

The Human Cost: Lives Shattered by Disaster

The human impact of these disasters is staggering. Thousands have lost their lives, with catastrophic floods and cyclones claiming thousands of victims over the years. For instance, the June 2024 floods alone resulted in at least 71 fatalities. However, the toll is not just measured in lives lost. In the wake of such calamities, millions of Bangladeshis find themselves displaced, their homes destroyed, and their communities shattered. The 2004 floods affected an estimated 36 million people, while this year’s floods have already displaced over half a million.

Among the most vulnerable to these crises are women, children, and the elderly, who often bear the brunt of the destruction. Women, particularly, are more likely to face heightened risks of exploitation and violence in the aftermath of disasters, while children face disruptions to education, food insecurity, and heightened health risks.

Economic Losses: The Financial Toll of Nature’s Wrath

Beyond the immediate loss of life, Bangladesh faces staggering economic losses from these recurring disasters. Cyclone Sidr alone resulted in $1.7 billion in damages, while the 2020 Cyclone Amphan, the costliest cyclone in the North Indian Ocean, caused an estimated $1 billion in damage within Bangladesh.

The country’s agricultural and fisheries sectors, which are vital to the livelihood of millions, have been particularly hard-hit. Floods and storms damage crops, destroy fishing boats, and erode coastal ecosystems, all of which lead to food shortages, increased poverty, and long-term economic setbacks. The 2022 floods, for example, caused over $1 billion in losses, largely in agricultural and infrastructural damage.

Key Disasters: A Year-by-Year Breakdown

• Cyclone Sidr (2007): This storm remains the deadliest in recent history, with more than 3,400 fatalities and devastating economic losses totaling $1.7 billion.
• Cyclone Amphan (2020): With damages totaling $13.2 billion across the North Indian Ocean, Bangladesh’s share was $1 billion. The cyclone left widespread destruction in its wake, particularly in the coastal regions.
• Flood and Landslides (2022): A significant blow to Bangladesh’s agriculture, with massive crop losses and infrastructural damage in Sylhet and northeastern districts.
• June 2024 Floods: Unprecedented rainfall and rising floodwaters caused extensive crop damage (296,852 hectares) and displaced over 500,000 people. Agricultural sectors are expected to take years to recover.

Lessons Learned and Progress Made

In response to these mounting challenges, Bangladesh has made some strides in disaster preparedness. Large-scale evacuation efforts, such as the 800,000 people evacuated during Cyclone Remal in 2024, demonstrate the country’s growing capability to respond to disasters. Enhanced early warning systems and improved coordination among national and local authorities have also contributed to saving lives.

However, challenges remain. The country continues to grapple with insufficient infrastructure, particularly in flood prevention and storm surge protection. Vulnerability remains high in rural areas, where agricultural and fisheries livelihoods are often destroyed by flooding or storm damage.

A Call to Action: Building Resilience for the Future

As Bangladesh faces an uncertain future marked by growing climate risks, experts are calling for urgent action in several key areas:

1. Strengthen Disaster Management: More investment in resilient infrastructure, including embankments, cyclone shelters, and flood defenses, is critical. Early warning systems must be further enhanced to ensure timely evacuations and minimize loss of life.
2. Global Collaboration: International climate financing and partnerships are needed to help Bangladesh mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Global support is essential in building long-term resilience in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
3. Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Special attention must be paid to the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and rural farmers, who are disproportionately affected by disasters. Targeted programs should address their specific needs, ensuring they have access to protection, resources, and support during and after disasters.

Closing Thoughts: A Future of Resilience and Preparedness

As Bangladesh grapples with the devastating effects of climate change, the country must integrate these lessons learned into its long-term disaster management strategies. By building a more resilient infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and ensuring support for its most vulnerable citizens, Bangladesh can better withstand the disasters of the future. The global community, too, must recognize the urgency of the situation and collaborate with Bangladesh to ensure that the nation’s resilience is strengthened for the coming generations.

The challenges are vast, but the opportunity for action is now. Through collective effort and a commitment to sustainability and disaster preparedness, Bangladesh can forge a more resilient future, ready to face the forces of nature head-on.