Climate Change Threatens Public Health and Economy in Bangladesh

The effects of climate change are being felt worldwide, with underdeveloped and developing countries, such as Bangladesh, bearing the brunt of its consequences. Climate change poses a significant threat to the public health and economy of these countries, according to a recent research report by "The Lancet". In Bangladesh, master plans for major cities have consistently neglected the issue of climate change, despite its growing importance. The country's nature and environment have been destroyed due to unplanned urbanization, filling of reservoirs, deforestation, and excessive carbon emissions.

Key Takeaways:

• The international health journal "The Lancet" reports that on average, one person dies every minute throughout the year from various heat-related causes.
• Climate change has become a significant issue since the 1980s, but it has been neglected in the master plans of Bangladesh's major cities.
• The country's urban development authorities have not included any significant initiatives to address the impacts of climate change in their urban plan.
• Coastal areas like Khulna and Cox's Bazar are constantly affected by storms, tidal waves, salinity, and flooding.
• Urban areas in Bangladesh face rising temperatures and a shortage of clean water.
• The Rajdhani Unnayon Kartipakkha (RAJUK) has included climate change in its development plan (DAP) for the 2022-35 term, but other development authorities in the country have yet to follow suit.
• It is necessary to increase the number of green factories and develop an environmentally friendly transportation system to mitigate the effects of climate change.
• Policy changes need to be brought about at the state level to include climate change and environmental protection as mandatory in every master plan.

Statistics:

• One person dies every minute throughout the year from various heat-related causes, according to "The Lancet" research report.
• The country's own forest and wetlands have gradually decreased.
• Not a single city in Bangladesh has about 25 percent forest land, which is considered ideal.
• Coastal areas like Khulna and Cox's Bazar are frequently affected by storms, tidal waves, salinity, and flooding.

Sources:

• "The Lancet" research report
• The New Nation