Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – Bangladesh will require climate-smart policies and investments to make itself more resilient to the effects of climate change, the World Bank said is a report Thursday.
The report titled ‘The Cost of Adapting To Extreme Weather Events in a Changing Climate’ estimated that adaptation costs from increased risks of cyclones and inland monsoon floods in a changing climate will be approximately US$5.7 billion by 2050.
The report also said that monsoon floods will affect an additional 2.0 million people by inundating new areas due to climate change. For cyclonic storm surges, currently 8.0 million people in the coastal area are vulnerable to inundation depths greater than three meters and this number will increase to 13.5 million by 2050.
In addition, another 9.0 million people are expected to be exposed to inundation depths above three meter due to climate change, it added.
Bangladesh already has extensive infrastructure to protect coastal residents from cyclones and tidal waves. To avert further damage and loss from cyclonic storm surges in a changing climate an additional US$2.4 billion will be required to climate-proof critical infrastructure by the year 2050.
For inland monsoon flood, the cost of adaptation for the railways, road network, embankments and drainage infrastructure to offset additional inundation due to climate change alone is estimated at US$3.3billion.
“Climate Change is no longer only an environmental issue; it is a development issue.” Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Minister for Environment and Forests, said while speaking as chief guest at the launching ceremony of the report.
“We’ve invested billions in adaptation measures such as flood management schemes, coastal embankments, cyclone shelters and others. However, the journey is far from being over. This study will help us better understand the additional risks caused by natural disasters in a changing climate. ”
Currently, a severe cyclone strikes Bangladesh every three years, and the country faces serious monsoon inland flooding that may submerge over 60% of the country every 4 to 5 years. In a changing climate, Bangladesh is likely to experience higher-intensity cyclonic storm surges and heavier, more erratic monsoon flooding.
“Adaptation to increased risks from climate-induced weather events is essential for development worldwide, but particularly in Bangladesh” said Ellen Goldstein, Country Director, World Bank Bangladesh.
The World Bank conducted the study in collaboration with the Institute of Water Modeling and the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services with financial support from the Government of the Netherlands, and the Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund (supported by Denmark, the EU, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK).
BBN/SSR/AD-01Mar12-3:30 pm (BST)
