Preparedness of recovery to the vulnerability of climate change in the coastal areas in Bangladesh

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: This research aims to identify the susceptibility of Bangladesh's coastal areas to natural disasters related to climate change and raise vigilance in the region. Methodology: We have conducted a survey of farmers in eight coastal Unions to identify the impact of climate change and the ability to implement coping mechanisms and their family size and income level. Face-to-face interviews, in-depth case studies, and focus group discussions were carried out in the survey. We further summarized the effect and recent consequences of cyclones, the major disaster in the country that are followed by flooding. Main Findings: The finding of the study reveals that the shelters are insufficient to accommodate the dense population and will be a crowded space under the influence of COVID-19, further raising the vulnerability of those affected by a disaster. The coping mechanisms implemented were the storage of rainwater and groundwater and empowering women to produce dairy products and sustain the household income. The experts’ opinion to counteract the climate change was adaptation and mitigation. Since building resilience requires a fair budget and global support, we focused on adaption, considering three adaptive approaches: accommodation, protection, and retreat. Among those, considering the densely populated nature of Bangladesh, improving accommodation and protection were the feasible solution to be proposed. In conclusion, people's livelihood activities could be diversified by providing need-based training and motivations. Research Implications: One-fourth of the total population lives in the coastal areas in Bangladesh, which frequently faces tropical cyclones, storm surges, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise that cost enormous loss to the crops, livestock, forestry, and human selves. The biodiversity of the Sundarban, one of the most vulnerable ecosystems, is also at risk of those natural disasters. The novelty of the study: Climate change is posing major threats to Bangladesh's coast. This study's findings will help individuals recover from the effects of climate change and prepare for the future.