...South Asia is the most vulnerable region of the world to climate change impacts (McCarthy et al., 2001). The international community also recognizes that Bangladesh ranks high in the list of most vulnerable countries on earth. Bangladesh’s high vulnerability to climate change is due to a number of hydro-geological and socio-economic factors that include: its geographical location in South Asia; its flat deltaic topography with very low elevation; its extreme climate variability that is governed by monsoon and which results in acute water distribution over space and time; its high population density and poverty incidence; and its majority of population being dependent on crop agriculture which is highly influenced by climate variability and change. Despite the recent strides towards achieving sustainable development, Bangladesh’s potential to sustain its development is faced with significant challenges posed by climate change (Ahmed and Haque, 2002). It is therefore of utmost importance to understand its vulnerability in terms of population and sectors at risk and its potential for adaptation to climate change. Increased climate variability means additional threats to drought-prone environments and is considered a major crop production risk factor. The impact of climate variability and change on agricultural production is a global concern. However, the impact is particularly important in Bangladesh where agriculture is the largest sector of economy, accounting for some...
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...Non-Traditional Security in Bangladesh: Issues and Outlooks Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) Following is an attempt to analyze the challenges in the field of non-traditional security issues and explore relevant outlooks dealing with these challenges in the context of Bangladesh. 1. Threats to Societal Security Inflow of Small Arms and Drug: This is an external or trans-national source. Estimates differ and perhaps will be less than what is happening in the context of India or Pakistan. But it is causing security threats to the state and the society, for at least two reasons: first, the rate is increasing at an alarming pace; second, Bangladesh is a soft state and a soft society, the impact is easily felt.[i] Use of small arms, use of drugs are gaining autonomous proportion in the sense the administration and law enforcing agencies have practically little control over the trafficking and use. Law and Order and Social Violence: The south western districts are again becoming restless following increase in the number of incidences of killings and overrunning of police posts by the outlawed and extremists who seem to be reemerging from the banned parties like Purba Banglar Communist Party and Biplobi Communist Party in the southwestern districts.[ii] The northern districts in recent months have been subjected to terrorist attack.[iii] One of the horrendous crimes in recent times was the slaughtering of six persons in a village...
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...INTRODUCTION Bangladesh has a very limited stock of known mineral resources (only natural gas is being extracted commercially), and the economy is heavily dependent on small-scale agriculture. Agriculture accounts for about 40 per cent of Bangladesh's GDP and about 60 per cent of employment. Landless small farmers and as well as urban informal groups constitute 50 per cent of Bangladesh's population. Fifty three per cent of rural population are virtually landless and the result of that a very large percentage of urban population live in slums. For example 30 per cent of the population (about 2 million) in Dhaka live in more than 1500 slums and squatter settlements, where density of settlements is over 6178 persons per hectare and per capita living space available is lower than one square meter. The structural conditions of the shelters are one of the worst in the world. The settlements live without open space, streets, water, gas and electricity, water, sanitation and sewerage facilities. Since these settlements are illegal the Government or International Aid Agencies have hardly any project to improve living quality of the poorest population of the country. Like many other cities of the developing countries the population of Dhaka city increased by almost 200 per cent in seven years (1974-81) due to the increasing developments of landless peasants. The present economic development increasingly widens the gap between the poor and the rich. The limited agricultural land...
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...Term Paper on “Climate Change and Bangladesh” Submitted by 1.Quazi Nizam Uddin, ID-5176 2.Kazi Golam Quddus,ID-5168 MBA(F) 4th Batch , Fall semister-2010 Submitted for Mohammad Jahangir Alam Asst Professor , Jahangir Nagar University & South East University Quantitative Analysis for Business decision (Bus-5119) Introduction As a part of our MBA course program we have to submit a term paper. As our course teacher selected the topics “Climate Change and Bangladesh”. Accordingly we have to write on this topic. Climate change is a long-term change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in the average weather conditions or a change in the distribution of weather events with respect to an average, for example, greater or fewer extreme weather events. Climate change may be limited to a specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth. In recent usage, especially in the context of environmental policy, climate change usually refers to changes in modern climate. It may be qualified as anthropogenic climate change, more generally known as global warming or anthropogenic global warming Bangladesh is frequently cited as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change because of its disadvantageous geographic location, flat and low-lying topography...
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...to Bangladeshi local NGOs and their documents in related sea level rise. Sea level rise: Impacts on Bangladesh and the role of NGOs Introduction: climate change is one of the most raising issues in contemporary world. Global warming is an important cause if climate change. The temperature of the world is increasing day by day. As a result the ice of arctic areas is melting. And this is raising the sea level. Though the temperature is increasing equally all over the world but all the countries of the world are not equally affected by this global warming. Usually costal areas, islands, and lower lands are mostly affected by this sea level rise. They are flooded badly each year because of this sea level rise. Global warming not only affects the environmental life but also they affect the political economic and infrastructural basis. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries of sea level rise. As it is a costal and lower land, so here lives and properties are at a severe risk. One of the island of Bangladesh, named South Talpatti Island has already sank because of sea level rise. NGOs role is very important for Bangladesh. NGOs can play vital role in many ways. NGOs can supply knowledge and information through research which is essential for making strategy and action plan for Bangladesh Government....
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...by: Fariba Alamgir (Bangladesh) in partial fulfillment of the requirements for obtaining the degree of MASTERS OF ARTS IN DEVELOPMENT STUDIES Specialization: [Environment And Sustainable Development] (ESD) Members of the examining committee: Prof. Dr Max Spoor [Supervisor] Dr Bram Buscher [Reader] The Hague, The Netherlands November, 2010 Disclaimer: This document represents part of the author’s study programme while at the Institute of Social Studies. The views stated therein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Institute. Inquiries: Postal address: Institute of Social Studies P.O. Box 29776 2502 LT The Hague The Netherlands Location: Kortenaerkade 12 2518 AX The Hague The Netherlands Telephone: +31 70 426 0460 Fax: +31 70 426 0799 Contents List of Maps v List of Acronyms vi Abstract vii Chapter 1: Research Context and Setting 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Theoretical Framework 6 1.2.1 Understanding Water Scarcity 6 1.2.2 The Political Ecology Approach 7 1.3 Research Methodology: Data Collection, Analysis and Fieldwork 10 Chapter 2: Changing water regimes and livelihoods in South-Western Bangladesh 14 2.1 Introduction 14 2.2 Changing Water System in Coastal Region in Bangladesh 14 2.2.1 Impact of Poldering and Water Control 14 2.2.2 Reduced Flow of Water and Shrimp Cultivation 16 2.3 Interlinking Changes in Water System and Livelihood...
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...Empowering the Community to Adapt to Climate Change BACKGROUND Bangladesh, a low-lying country is known globally as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Factors contributing to its vulnerability includes its biophysical resources, particularly water which is highly sensitive to climate variability and change, along with high population density, high incidence of poverty, inadequate infrastructure and limited financial resources. This makes water resources, coastal zones and its resources, agriculture and human health the most vulnerable sectors to climate change. Around 66 per cent of the country’s labour force are engaged in agriculture and with their dependence on water, are likely to be hit the hardest by climate change1. The Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has recognized climate change as an important issue and attempts are being made to incorporate potential measures for reducing climate change impacts into overall development planning. Bangladesh has developed the National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA). It has also incorporated climate change into its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). The GoB realizes that to reduce the impacts of climate change it is necessary to work across sectors and with active participation of local communities. Thus, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) has been working since the 1970s with vulnerable communities, particularly women through the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), is in a unique position...
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...Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics, 2011;2(2): 4-19 RIVERBANK EROSION DISPLACEES IN BANGLADESH: NEED FOR INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE AND POLICY INTERVENTION MD Fakrul Islam, Ph.D, and A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, Ph.D. 1. Professor, Department of Social works, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh 2. University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh ABSTRACT: Environmental refugees are one of the most burning issues at this time throughout the world. Bangladesh, a riverine country, is suffering from acquit riverbank erosion which compels millions of her population to be displaced from their place of origin. As such, 283 locations, 85 towns and growth centers, along with 2400 kilometers of riverbank line in Bangladesh are vulnerable to erosion. The major rivers e.g., the Padma, the Jamuna, and the Meghna, erode several thousand hectares of floodplain making thousands of people landless and homeless every year. Along with the floodplain, Bangladesh loses several kilometers of roads, railways, and flood-control embankments annually. No other disaster is as disastrous as riverbank erosion and ‘Internally Displaced Populations’ (IDP) face many unavoidable problems at different stages of displacement. Displacement marginalized them in respect of livelihood patterns and psycho-physical troubles. Such forty million homeless people in Bangladesh are compelled to lead a floating life. Riverbank erosion plays a major role in socio-environmental changes. The displaced people of riverbank erosion experience substantial...
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...While the impact of globalisation maybe hotly contested, with its proponents claiming extraordinary benefits for mankind and its opponents stressing disproportionate benefits for the rich, and marginalisation and disempowerment of the poor, for countries such as Bangladesh with low income, smaller capacities and even lesser bargaining turf, globalisation has thrown up a host of challenges with great rapidity. And yet we continually strive to integrate into a globalised world whilst balancing our national agenda of democracy, development and trade. While speaking on Bangladesh, since coming here as Bangladesh’s High Commissioner I have come to realize, increasingly and sadly as time has gone by, that Bangladesh is often bypassed and when discussed or referred to in the South Asian context, the emphasis more often than not is on negative elements. Overcoming certain misperceptions about my country and bringing it out of the ugly shadows generated by misinformation, sometimes seem in itself the biggest challenge to me. However, whatever we as a nation have achieved since our independence have come as part of our victories in our persistent struggle on numerous fronts in an increasingly globalized world. As it traversed the oceans of fire and blood during its long struggle for national independence, across the barren desert of autocratic rule and overcoming the horrendous calamities wrought by nature’s wrath, Bangladesh has manifested, if nothing else, its indomitable...
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...Coastal Resources Management, Policy and Planning In Bangladesh Md. Masudur Rahman, Zubair Ahmed Chowdhury and Md. Nasir Uddin Sada Department of Fisheries Bangladesh Rahman M.M, Z.A Chowdhury and M.N.U Sada. 2003. Coastal resources management, policy and planning in Bangladesh, p. 689 - 756. In G. Silvestre, L. Garces, I. Stobutzki, M. Ahmed, R.A. Valmonte-Santos, C. Luna, L. Lachica-Aliño, P. Munro, V. Christensen and D. Pauly (eds.) Assessment, Management and Future Directions for Coastal Fisheries in Asian Countries. WorldFish Center Conference Proceeding 67, 1 120 p. Abstract This paper reviews the coastal fishery resources of Bangladesh emphasizing the coastal environment, capture fisheries and management issues relative to the sector. Bangladesh’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers an area of about 166 000 km2. This area has abundant natural resources such as fish, shrimps, crabs and other marine products. Shrimp and fish trawling is the most important economic activity in this area. The fishery sector makes a significant contribution to the national economy in terms of foreign exchange, income generation and employment. It is very important in nutrition, especially in providing animal protein. In 1997 - 99, the marine fisheries sector contributed 22% of the total fishery production of 1 373 000 t. However, the resources are being destroyed in many ways. The fisheries resources have declined and fishers are getting poorer. The decline is partly due to estuarine...
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...A hydroelectric project demands a very complex creation of turbines and a source of running water that obviously rivers that possesses of significant strength to drive the power generators. Solar, on the other hand, requires only a very simple items and equipments, one of which is the photovoltaic generation cell that will provide electricity. These PV or Photovoltaic panels have unmoving parts and can be as lightweight or bulky as the required applications. Solar is also very suitable to be applied portably, compared to the more permanent and immovable hydroelectric installations. Solar is also better for home usage installations for a lot of homeowners don't have an access to a waterway suitable for power...
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...Water supply and sanitation in Bangladesh is characterized by a number of achievements and challenges. The share of the population with access to an improved water source was estimated at 98% in 2004,[1] a very high level for a low-income country. This has been achieved to a large extent through the construction of handpumps with the support of external donors. However, in 1993 it was discovered that groundwater, the source of drinking water for 97% of the rural population and a significant share of the urban population, is in many cases naturallycontaminated with arsenic. It gradually emerged that 70 million people drank water which exceeds the WHO guidelines of 10 microgram of arsenic per liter, and 30 million drank water containing more than the Bangladesh National Standard of 50 microgram per liter, leading tochronic arsenic poisoning.[10] On the other hand, surface water is usually polluted and requires treatment.[11] Taking arsenic contamination into account, it was estimated that in 2004 still 74% of the population had access to arsenic-free drinking water. Another challenge is the low level of cost recovery due to low tariffs and poor economic efficiency, especially in urban areas where revenues from water sales do not even cover operating costs. In rural areas, users contribute 34% of investment costs,[9] and at least in piped water schemes supported by the Rural Development Academy recover operating costs. Sanitation faces its own set of challenges, with only 39% of...
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...SOUTH ASIA. South Asia comprises the countries of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, as well as the island nations of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. All told, some 1.73 million square miles make up South Asia. South Asia comprises eight countries including Afghanistan. Agriculture accounts for a significant part of GDP throughout the region, and has grown at a remarkable overall rate during the past 30 years as a consequence of the Green Revolution. Nevertheless, the region has a greater number of undernourished and poor than any other developing region, and more than two-thirds of these reside in rural areas. Most of this region is a subcontinent resting on the Indian Plate (the northerly portion of the Indo-Australian Plate) separated from the rest of Eurasia. It was once a small continent before colliding with the Eurasian Plate about 50-55 million years ago and giving birth to the Himalayan range and the Tibetan plateau. It is the peninsular region south of the Himalayas and Kuen Lun mountain ranges and east of the Indus River and the Iranian Plateau, extending southward into the Indian Ocean between the Arabian Sea (to the southwest) and the Bay of Bengal (to the southeast). The region is home to an astounding variety of geographical features, such as glaciers, rainforests, valleys, deserts, and grasslands that are typical of much larger continents. It is surrounded by three water bodies — the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The...
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...Chapter 01: Introduction & Agribusiness Bangladesh has a first and foremost agrarian economy. It is the single largest producing sector of the economy of Bangladesh. Most of the Bangladeshi people are involved with agricultural activities. They earn their living by doing such activities. It includes about 30% of the country’s GDP. Near about 60% people of our country are involved with agricultural activities which prove that a large amount of labor force is doing such activities. It has a great impact on some major objectives, such as- employment generation, poverty alleviation, human resources development and food security. Agricultural holdings in Bangladesh are generally small. Through Cooperatives the use of modern machinery is gradually gaining popularity. Rice, Jute, Sugarcane, Potato, Pulses, Wheat, Tea and Tobacco are the principal crops. The crop sub-sector dominates the agriculture sector contributing about 72% of total production. Fisheries, livestock and forestry sub-sectors are 10.33%, 10.11% and 7.33% respectively. For a number of factors, Bangladesh's labor-intensive agriculture has achieved stable increases in food grain production in spite of the often hostile weather conditions. It contains better flood control and irrigation. Agricultural product of Bangladesh: Rice is the staple food of Bangladesh. The production of rice can be harvested 2 or 3 times a year. Wheat is also a valuable agricultural product of our country. However due to weather conditions...
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...May 12th, 2013 GEOPOLITICS OF SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA Borders in South and Central Asia INTRODUCTION While some seem to care above all about the economic growth of several booming economies (or as they are often called “emerging markets”, such as China, Russia or India), it is legitimate for others to worry more about the borders of some states in the very same region. A border is the very line separating two political or geographical areas, more commonly called countries. Whereas in some parts of the world, the borders between two countries are not even a marked and are seen as simple trade corridors, the issue is raised in a totally different way when it comes to both South and Central Asia. The question of borders presents a major problem for several countries, especially given all it symbolizes: the stability of a state and its legal territory, a politically controlled and delimited zone and a corridor between two nations. Were it after the end of the British Empire or that of the Soviet era, the borders keep being a matter of dispute and the cause of severe contentiousness in South and Central Asia nowadays. Drug trafficking and the circulation of energy are not the only problems. The border disputes mostly jeopardize the transnational security and the ethnical conflicts at stake. A territorial dispute is a disagreement over the possession or control of land between two or more states, or over the possession and control of land by a new state that is...
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