GLOBAL warming presents a critical global challenge and its consequences are particularly stark for countries like Bangladesh. Since the industrial revolution, the intensified use of fossil fuels has led to a sharp rise in greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the earth’s average temperature has continued to increase, triggering wide-ranging environmental disruptions. While climate change affects every part of the world, Bangladesh’s geographic location, population density and economic vulnerability place it among the most exposed nations to its adverse impacts. Understanding both the root causes and the local implications of global warming is crucial to formulating a viable response. This piece outlines the major risks posed by global warming to Bangladesh and the urgent measures necessary to mitigate and adapt to these risks.
The fundamental driver of global warming is the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, primarily due to human activities. Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and fluorinated gases are the key contributors. These are mainly emitted through the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes and certain agricultural practices. While developed countries have historically been the largest emitters due to high levels of industrial activity and consumption, developing nations also contribute, particularly as they pursue economic growth to meet the demands of expanding populations. Nevertheless, the global nature of these emissions means that their consequences are not contained by national borders and countries like Bangladesh, which contribute comparatively little to global emissions, suffer disproportionately from their effects.
Bangladesh faces multiple, interrelated risks as a result of global warming. One of the most pressing is sea level rise. The melting of polar ice caps and the thermal expansion of seawater are causing ocean levels to rise globally. Given that approximately one-third of Bangladesh’s land area lies close to sea level, even a modest rise threatens to inundate vast swathes of the country. Such inundation would displace millions of people, render agricultural land saline and compromise food security.
In addition to sea level rise, the frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are expected to increase due to warmer sea temperatures. These more powerful storms, accompanied by higher storm surges, pose severe threats to life, infrastructure and livelihoods in coastal regions. Similarly, changes in rainfall patterns have begun to manifest across the country. Some areas now experience prolonged droughts, while others endure excessive rainfall leading to floods and landslides, particularly in the northern and central regions. These disruptions not only affect crop yields but also threaten long-term agricultural sustainability.
Another growing concern is the increasing salinity of both soil and freshwater sources, particularly in coastal areas. This problem, exacerbated by rising sea levels and reduced freshwater flow from upstream rivers, severely affects the fertility of land and the potability of water. Alongside these environmental pressures are significant public health challenges. Rising temperatures and humidity levels create favourable conditions for the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. Heatwaves, too, are becoming more common and dangerous, particularly for those with limited access to healthcare. A reduction in food and water availability further heightens the risk of malnutrition and associated diseases.
The country’s rich biodiversity is also under threat. Species that cannot adapt to changing temperatures and salinity levels face extinction. The Sundarbans, a unique mangrove ecosystem and home to the endangered Bengal tiger, is particularly at risk from both rising seas and increasing salinity, placing its complex ecological balance in jeopardy. The economic implications of all these changes are profound. Agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure and public health — key sectors of the Bangladeshi economy — are all vulnerable to climate-related damage. The financial burden of disaster response, infrastructure rehabilitation and displaced populations will place enormous pressure on national budgets and development planning.
Given the scale and immediacy of these threats, Bangladesh must pursue a dual approach: mitigation to limit the causes of global warming and adaptation to deal with its inevitable effects. In terms of mitigation, reducing the country’s own greenhouse gas emissions, though modest in global terms, remains important. A critical step is to increase the use of renewable energy. Solar, wind and hydroelectric power offer cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels and can reduce the country’s carbon footprint. However, this transition requires substantial investment and coordinated policy support.
Improving energy efficiency is also essential. This involves modernising electricity generation and transmission systems and encouraging households and industries to use energy-saving technologies. Public awareness campaigns can reinforce behavioural changes and discourage wasteful practices. In the transport sector, investment in public transit and the promotion of low-emission vehicles — such as electric buses and bicycles — can help reduce fuel consumption and urban pollution.
Forest conservation is another priority. Forests absorb carbon dioxide and serve as natural buffers against climate impacts. Efforts must be made to protect existing forests and expand afforestation initiatives, particularly through community-led social forestry and agroforestry programmes. Industrial emissions, too, require closer regulatory oversight. Pollution control standards must be enforced and industries should be incentivised to adopt environmentally friendly technologies. Finally, modern waste management systems that prevent methane emissions and convert waste into compost or biogas can contribute both to emissions reductions and energy generation.
Alongside these mitigation efforts, Bangladesh must prepare to adapt to the already visible consequences of climate change. One key area is coastal protection. Embankments must be built and maintained to guard against storm surges and rising seas. At the same time, mangrove forests should be expanded, as they serve as natural defences and support coastal biodiversity. Improved flood management is also essential. Enhanced flood forecasting systems, better drainage infrastructure and the construction of cyclone shelters can reduce the human and economic toll of seasonal disasters.
In drought-prone regions, water conservation measures are needed. Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems can help maintain water supplies, while farmers must be supported in adopting drought-resistant crops and water-saving irrigation techniques. Similarly, in areas affected by salinity, the development and distribution of salt-tolerant crop varieties can ensure continued agricultural production. Access to fresh water must also be secured through the creation of ponds, desalination plants and rainwater collection.
The healthcare system must be equipped to deal with new disease patterns and climate-related health emergencies. This includes enhancing disease surveillance, expanding access to healthcare in vulnerable regions and training medical staff to respond to heat stress and vector-borne diseases. Awareness campaigns can educate the public about preventive measures and the risks associated with extreme weather events. In terms of infrastructure, long-term investments are needed to ensure that roads, bridges, buildings and utility systems can withstand more frequent and intense natural disasters.
Public participation is central to both mitigation and adaptation. Raising awareness about climate change and empowering communities to take local action will strengthen resilience. Educational institutions, traditional media and social media platforms can play an important role in disseminating information and encouraging behavioural change. Lastly, international cooperation remains vital. As a country disproportionately affected by climate change, Bangladesh must continue to engage with global climate forums and advocate for fair climate finance. Developed countries have a responsibility to support vulnerable nations through financial assistance, technology transfer and capacity building. Bangladesh, in concert with other climate-affected nations, must make a strong case for its rightful share of global climate resources.
Rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, erratic rainfall, droughts and salinity are already threatening the country’s physical, ecological and economic stability. The response must be equally urgent and strategic. A comprehensive approach, encompassing both mitigation and adaptation, is essential. Through coordinated action by the government, civil society, the private sector and international partners, Bangladesh can confront this challenge and work towards a more resilient, sustainable future. Delay will only deepen the crisis, leaving future generations to bear the consequences of inaction.
Sadia Sultana Rimi is a student of Mathematics at the Jagannath University.
