Sea level rise
Photo: Kalim Shantu / Driknews
Bangladesh is the country most vulnerable to sea-level rise due to the low elevation. Half the country lies at elevations of less than 5 meters. The seasonal sea level change in the Bay is remarkable and one of the highest in the world. Global warming is predicted to affect sea levels. A rise of as much as 1.5m (almost 5ft) has been suggested for 2050. Based on the present, SMRC (2000b) has projected that overall annual mean temperature is likely to increase by 0.22°c and 0.41°c by 2050 and 2100, respectively. The annual total rainfall over Bangladesh is likely to increase by 296mm and 543mm by 2050 and 2100 respectively. As a result, the lower southern parts of the country may one day go under water. Potential impacts of sea level rise are as follows: 1. Increased erosion and accretion.2. Saline water intrusion and its effects on groundwater.
3. Top dying in Sundarbans.
4. Change in water level and induced inundations.
5. Increased incidence of natural hazards.
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