October 7, 2010 - Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate risks. The country is composed largely of lowlying lands less than 6 meters above sea level. About 80% of its land is floodplain. It is also frequently visited by extreme climatic events, causing damage to life, property, and the economy. Of all potential impacts from climate change, the risks to the agriculture sector stand out among the most important. Agriculture is a key economic sector in Bangladesh, in terms of contributions to GDP and employment for the rural poor.

About the Report

Executive Summary

The relative severity of disasters in Bangladesh has decreased substantially since the 1970 as a result of improved macro-economic management, increased resilience of the poor and significant progress in disaster management.

According to Winston Yu, the Lead Author of the report and Senior Water Resources Specalist for South Asia, the credit goes to successive governments and increased public awareness. "Substantial public investment in protective infrastructure (e.g. cyclone shelters, embankments) and early warning and preparedness systems have played a critical role in minimizing these impacts," said Yu.

The report examines the implications of climate change on food security in Bangladesh and to identify adaptation measures in the agriculture sector.

Yu listed 4 key points that are achieved by this report:

First, the most recent science available is used to study current climate and its potential changes.

Second, 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, this is only one dimension of food security considered here. Food security is dependent on several socio-economic variables including estimated future food requirements, income levels and commodity prices.

Fourth, adaptation possibilities are identified for the sector. The framework established here can be used effectively to test such adaptation strategies.

Yu cautions that the precise impact of climate change on countries in the developing world is complex and remains to be seen. "Climate change, however, poses additional risks to many developing countries in their efforts to reduce poverty, promote livelihoods and develop sustainably," said Yu.

As populations grow, the ability for many countries to meet basic food requirements and effectively manage future disasters will be critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. "These are challenges above and beyond those that many countries are already currently facing," said Yu.

The framework presented here can serve as a useful guide to other countries and regions faced with similar development challenges and objectives of achieving food security. "Continued refinements to the assessment approach developed in this report will further help to sharpen critical policies and interventions by the Bangladesh government," said Yu.