Climate Change And Rising Sea Level In Bangladesh

Although the "greenhouse effect" and "global climate change" have been the subjects of scientific scrutiny for many decades, only recently have they received widespread public attention. Two major events helped generate this attention. First, in 1990 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its findings on the science, impacts and policy implications of climate change. The findings of the IPCC, prepared and reviewed extensively by the world's leading experts in the field, confirmed that the increasing atmospheric concentrations of "greenhouse" gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and the chlorofluorocarbons, could cause the world to warm and sea level to rise. Second, in 1992 the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) inRio de Janeiro focussed the attention of the world's national governments, as well as organisations and individuals outside the governments, on the threat of global climate change. The Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), signed by nations at UNCED, reflects both the concern about the effects of climate change and the urgent need for action to prevent or reduce its potential impacts, particularly with respect to the vulnerable developing countries of the world. Bangladesh ratified the FCCC on 15 April 1994. The countries that have signed and ratified the FCCC are obligated to report to the Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on a number of inter related issues.

Climate Change in Bangladesh: Confronting Impending Disasters is a comprehensive analysis of climate change impacts on Bangladesh, followed by a review of measures for confronting the manifested threats of climate change on the people and environment of Bangladesh. Using an integrative approach, the authors blend their own work on indigenous adjustments to climatic hazards in Bangladesh with an analysis of the role of modern engineering intervention and disaster management policies in alleviating these hazards. There is also an emphasis on the environment and people of coastal Bangladesh who are at risk of inundation due to global warming–induced sea level rise. Thus, in addition to analyzing main climatic disasters at some length—tropical cyclones (hurricanes), floods, droughts, and sea level rise—key topics of human dimensions of climate change include climate change victims, climate refugees, climate justice, public policies on climate change, and a sample of adaptation measures for living with the rising sea levels.

Living in a low-lying and densely populated country on the front line of climate change, Bangladeshis are taking a lead in adapting to rising temperatures and campaigning to limit climate change. Global warming will worsen this country's existing environmental problems - causing a rise in sea level, more flooding and stronger, more damaging cyclones. Bangladeshis know what is coming, and how to respond, because they are already effectively combating environmental and social challenges. Cyclone shelters and warning systems have cut the fatality rate dramatically; new varieties of rice have raised nutrition levels; women's education has slowed population growth; land is being raised to respond to sea level rise. Bangladeshis will keep their heads above water, but at huge costs. Will the industrialised countries curb their greenhouse gas emissions and pay for the damage they have already done?

The aim of this book is to provide information to scientists and local government to help them better understand the particularities of the local climate. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges to society. It can lead to serious impacts on production, life and environment on a global scale. Higher temperatures and sea level rise will cause flooding and water salinity problems which bring about negative effects on agriculture and high risks to industry and socio-economic systems in the future. Climate change leads to many changes in global development and security, especially energy, water, food, society, job, diplomacy, culture, economy and trade. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines climate change as: “Any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity.” Global climate change has emerged as a key issue in both political and economic arenas. It is an increasingly questioned phenomenon, and progressive national governments around the world have started taking action to respond to these environmental concerns.

"This is review paper focuses on climate change and its impact on sea level rise in the countries of low lying areas (Bangladesh) and islands (Tonga). The study makes an attempt to highlight the causes and impacts of sea level rise. The review shows that there is an increase in the seal level rise (0.2 m) in the coastline of Bangladesh that is adversely affecting nearby biodiversity spots. As a noticeable result, one of the most fragile ecosystems Sundarban mangrove is facing the threat of rising sea levels. The renowned, native plant Sundari is on the verge of extinction. Similarly, the study found numerous instances related to sea level rise in the island country of Tonga."--Page [1]

PREFACE ix ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xi L. AMADORE, W. C. BOLHOFER, R. V. CRUZ, R. B. FEIR, C. A. FREYSINGER, S. GUILL, K. F. JALAL, A IGLESIAS, A. JOSE, S. LEATHERMAN, S. LENHART, S. MUKHER JEE, J. B. SMITH, and J. WISNIEWSKII Climate Change Vulnerability and Adap tion in Asia and the Pacific: Workshop Summary 1-12 A. IGLESIAS, LlN ERDA, and C. ROSENZWEIG I Climate Change in Asia: A Review of the Vulnerability and Adaption of Crop Production 13-27 I. AMIEN, P. REJEKININGRUM, A. PRAMUDIA, and E. SUSANTII Effects of Interannual Climate Variability and Climate Change on Rice Yield in Java, Indonesia 29-39 R. D. BUAN, AR. MAGLlNAO, P. P. EVANGELISTA, and B. G. PAJUELAS I Vulnerability of Rice and Corn to Climate Change in the Philippines 41-51 Z. KARIM, S. G. HUSSAIN, and M. AHMED I Assessing Impacts of Climatic Variations on Foodgrain Production in Bangladesh 53-62 LlN ERDA I Agricultural Vulnerability and Adaptation to Global Warming in China 63-73 WANG JINGHUA and LlN ERDA I The Impacts of Potential Climate Change and Climate Variability on Simulated Maize Production in China 75-85 M. A. WIJERATNE I Vulnerability of Sri Lanka Tea Production to Global Climate Change 87-94 B. BOLORTSETSEG and G. TUVAANSUREN I The Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Pasture and Cattle Production in Mongolia 95-105 K. BOONPRAGOB and J. SANTISIRISOMBOON I Modeling Potential Changes of Forest Area in Thailand under Climate Change 107-117 K. 1. KOBAK, I. YE. TURCHINOVICH, N. YU. KONDRASHEVA, E. -D. SCHULZE, W.

Managing climate variability and change remains a key development and food security issue in Bangladesh. Despite significant investments, floods, droughts, and cyclones during the last two decades continue to cause extensive economic damage and impair livelihoods. Climate change will pose additional risks to ongoing efforts to reduce poverty. This book examines the implications of climate change on food security in Bangladesh and identifies adaptation measures in the agriculture sector using a comprehensive integrated framework. First, the most recent science available is used to characterize current climate and hydrology and its potential changes. Second, country-specific survey and biophysical data is used to derive more realistic and accurate agricultural impact functions and simulations. A range of climate risks (i.e. warmer temperatures, higher carbon dioxide concentrations, changing characteristics of floods, droughts and potential sea level rise) is considered to gain a more complete picture of potential agriculture impacts. Third, while estimating changes in production is important, economic responses may to some degree buffer against the physical losses predicted, and an assessment is made of these. Food security is dependent not only on production, but also future food requirements, income levels and commodity prices. Finally, adaptation possibilities are identified for the sector. This book is the first to combine these multiple disciplines and analytical procedures to comprehensively address these impacts. The framework will serve as a useful guide to design policy intervention strategies and investments in adaptation measures.