Sea level rise
Photo: Munir uz Zaman / Driknews
The geographic location and geomorphic conditions of Bangladesh have made the country highly vulnerable to sea level rise. It will increase salinity in the coastal areas. As a result, agricultural productivity will be decreased and coastal economy will break down. Not only this but also coastal people have to suffer due to lack of fresh water. World Bank (2000) showed 10 cm, 25cm and 1m rise in sea level by 2020, 2050 and 2100; affecting 2%, 4% and 17.5% of total land mass respectively. As a result, we will lose Sundarbans (the largest mangrove forest in the world) which is rich in biodiversity and five lakh people will lose the means of income. There will be 20 million climate refugees and the Bangladesh government has no capability to resettle them. So, it is high time to take proper steps to overcome the impending disaster.
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