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Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Bangladesh’s Environmental Problems essay part 2Essay Writing Service
Bangladesh’s Environmental Problems essay part 2Essay Writing Service Bangladesh’s Environmental Problems essay part 2 Bangladesh’s Environmental Problems essay part 2Bangladesh’s Environmental Problems essay part 1The Impact of Climate Change-Induced Sea Level Riseon the Poor and Vulnerable in Bangladesh           One of the most serious consequences of climate change in Bangladesh is sea level rise. Many researchers believe that sea level rise has direct impact on the country and its people (Soroar Routray, 2012; Cho, 2008; Shaw et al., 2013).  Besides, sea level rise provides â€Å"synergy to amplify the devastating power of disasters which ravage the country recurrently†(Soroar Routray, 2012, p. 577). Sea level rise has a widespread impact on the coastal environment of Bangladesh. Researchers identify some biophysical impacts, such as â€Å"increased coastal erosion, more extensive coastal inundation, higher storm surge flooding, and landward intrusion of seawater in estuaries and aquifers†(Cho, 2008, p. 28). Sea level rise a ffects the deltas of the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna. As a result, the key sectors of the economy are at high risk. In other words, the biophysical impacts identified by researchers lead to a wide range of socio-economic impacts. The major socioeconomic impacts include â€Å"increased loss of property and coastal habitats, increased flood risk and potential loss of life, damage to coastal protection and other infrastructure, loss of tourism and transportation functions†(Cho, 2008, p. 29). Besides, sea level rise has a negative impact on agricultural system of the region and aquaculture through considerable quality degradation of water and soil (Cho, 2008),  Researchers argue that mangrove forests play an important role in coastal environment of the region, providing the highest biological productivity. However, sea level rise in the coastal zone of Bangladesh (the area of Sundarbans) may lead to the depletion of mangrove forests. According to Kwangwoo Cho (2008) , â€Å"sea level rise will change the salinity distribution in the coastal zone and hence the productivity of mangrove forests in the region†(p. 29). Today beach erosion can be found along the coastal line of Bangladesh (Cahoon, 2009; Cho, 2008).           Taking into consideration the above mentioned impacts of sea level rise, it is necessary to assess the impact of climate change-induced sea level rise on the poor and vulnerable in Bangladesh (Cahoon, 2009). The statistical data show that the potential land loss due to sea level rise of 100 cm in Bangladesh coastal zone will be 29, 846 km (20. 7%). The population exposed to sea level rise under the absence of adaptability to this crisis will be 14.8 million people (13.5%) (Cho, 2008).           The poor and vulnerable in the coastal zone of Bangladesh may face serious problems caused by sea level rise. One potential problem is the increase in the salinity of coastal area, which could have a potential impact on drinking water and the organisms of aquatic ecosystem (Bhuiyan Dutta, 2011). Another serious problem is the extreme vulnerability of coastal zone of Bangladesh to cyclones and storm surges due caused by climate change induced sea level rise (Cahoon, 2009). Researchers state that â€Å"the Bangladesh coastal zone could be termed a geographical death trap due to its extreme vulnerability to cyclones and storm surges†(Kay Alder, 2005, p. 50). In Bangladesh, a large number of coastal people live in poverty (Dasgupta et al. 2009). They have poorly constructed houses, which are can be easily ruined by cyclones and storm surges. The lack of high quality cyclone shelters, the improper cyclone forecasting and warning systems, as well as the tremendously low lying land of the coastal area lead to the massive loss of human lives from cyclones (Cahoon, 2009; Kay Alder, 2005).           In addit ion, poor coastal communities in Bangladesh depend on various forms of coastal aquaculture system to support their families. These forms include crab fishing, shrimp fisheries, and seaweeds culture (Kay Alder, 2005). According to statistical data, â€Å"in Bangladesh, 20 million rural farm households, 40% of whom live below the poverty line of US $1.25 per day, depend on the aquatic agricultural systems†(Resilient livelihoods and food security in coastal aquatic agricultural systems, 2012, p. 2). Sea level rise has negative impact on coastal aquaculture system, making people suffer from the lack of resources to support their livelihoods (FitzGerald et al., 2008). In other words, the poor people living in the coastal zone of Bangladesh will lack the benefits flows from a wide range of coastal resources due to sea level rise (Bhuiyan Dutta, 2011; Cahoon, 2009).           Besides, livelihoods of the poor communities in the forest zones of Ban gladesh, who are dependent on forest resources, will face considerable challenges caused by sea level rise. According to researchers, â€Å"salinity intrusion severely affects forest resources, especially in the coastal region, with moderate impacts on poverty and economic growth†(Thomas et al., 2013, p. 5). In general, there is a close relationship between the effects of climate change, poverty rate and economic growth of the country. It has been found that climate change induced sea level rise creates considerable challenges for the sustainable development of Bangladesh (Thomas et al., 2013; Bhuiyan Dutta, 2011).  The poverty rate identified in the coastal communities of Bangladesh will be increased by the negative effects of sea level rise, including the reduction in agricultural production, reduction in forest resources and aquaculture resources (Thomas et al., 2013).Conclusion           Thus, it is necessary to conclude that climate change induced sea level rise is a serious environmental problem in Bangladesh. The impacts of sea level rise are different in different areas because of the existing differences in coastal environment. In Bangladesh, the coastal system lacks the required adaptability of both natural system and socioeconomic system. Sea level rise has negative impacts on the low lying areas of Bangladesh, including such impacts as inundation, considerable salt water intrusion, severe coastal erosion, increased ground subsidence and other ones. The vulnerability of Bangladesh to sea level rise in higher than in other Asian countries because of its geographic location and weather conditions.  The impact of sea level rise due to climate change on the poor in Bangladesh leads to reduced employment opportunities, low income and economic challenges. Sea level rise in coastal zone of Bangladesh leads not only to the growth of poverty rate, but also to serious economic and social challenges associated wi th increased drought, increased level of salinity intrusion, flooding and other negative effects. The poor people suffer more than others because they have no opportunity to respond to this crisis effectively.
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