Abstract

Living in a low-lying and densely populated country on the front line of climate change, Bangladeshis are taking a lead in adapting to rising temperatures and campaigning to limit climate change. Global warming will worsen this country's existing environmental problems – causing a rise in sea level, more flooding and stronger, more damaging cyclones.

Bangladeshis know what is coming, and how to respond, because they are already effectively combating environmental and social challenges. Cyclone shelters and warning systems have cut the fatality rate dramatically; new varieties of rice have raised nutrition levels; women's education has slowed population growth; land is being raised to respond to sea level rise. Bangladeshis will keep their heads above water, but at huge costs. Will the industrialised countries curb their greenhouse gas emissions and pay for the damage they have already done?

Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change – but it is also a country that is capable of coping. Far from being a victim, Bangladesh has lessons for activists, scientists, government and donor officials and concerned citizens who want to know what climate change looks like and how to respond to it.

This densely populated country feeds itself because it is in a rich delta. But that comes at the price of a volatile environment – three huge rivers bring floodwaters from the Himalayas and massive cyclones sweep up the Bay of Bengal. Once accurately described as a ‘basket case’ of hunger and disaster, its scientists and engineers, working with local communities, have transformed the country. Strong cyclone shelters and early warning systems now protect at-risk coastal people. Improved rice varieties and irrigation feed the nation and rapidly cut child malnutrition. Women's education has curbed population growth. Along with these changes have come measures to cope with the volatile environment.

Climate change makes the problems worse, with higher temperatures and rising sea levels, heavier rain and bigger floods and stronger cyclones. Bangladeshis know what the damaged climate change will bring. The government, researchers and communities are already adapting, raising land levels to match the rise in sea level, strengthening dykes to protect against floods, producing more adaptable rice varieties and improving disaster preparation. Bangladesh is a model of climate change adaptation and a lesson for those who continue to ignore global warming.

Bangladeshis have taken a leading role in international campaigning and negotiating, helping to convince industrialized countries to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Because it cannot wait for help from rich countries, Bangladesh has shouldered most of its adaptation costs. Will industrialized countries make the task harder – or will they help Bangladesh by reducing emissions and paying for the damage already done?

Manoj Roy is a lecturer in sustainability at Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, UK.

Joseph Hanlon is a visiting senior fellow at the London School of Economics and a visiting senior research fellow at the Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.

David Hulme is a professor of development studies and executive director of the Global Development Institute, University of Manchester, UK.

‘A frank and engaging account of Bangladesh's environment and development past and present, this important new book challenges the passive portrayal of countries of the Global South and critiques the unhelpful ways they have been acted upon by international “experts”. A highly readable and carefully researched account for everyone interested in the local and global dilemmas posed by climate change.’ –David Lewis, Professor of Social Policy and Development, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK

‘A valuable interpretation of climate change stresses in Bangladesh, emphasizing coping, resilience and innovation in the fragile delta. Past successes are acknowledged; myths are confronted; and ongoing challenges for problem solving, such as poor governance, corruption and unplanned megacities, are noted. A must read for policy leaders, activists and practitioners wrestling with this global threat. –Geof Wood, Emeritus Professor of International Development, University of Bath, UK