The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $400 million policy-based loan for Bangladesh to support the implementation of its National Adaptation Plan (2023–2050) and Nationally Determined Contributions 2021 Update to the Paris Agreement. Bangladesh, highly vulnerable to climate change, faces an annual average loss of around $3 billion. This loan is part of the $700 million Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Program, aiming to enhance climate resilience, transition to a low-carbon economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and integrate gender equality and social inclusion in climate actions.
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“Climate shocks have been severely disrupting Bangladesh’s growth and poverty alleviation. Financing needs for climate actions are astronomical. Bangladesh has strongly committed to tackling this challenge, and ADB, as the region’s climate bank, is ready to support Bangladesh in its efforts,”
–Aminur Rahman, ADB’s Principal Public Management Economist
The program seeks to create an environment for climate finance mobilization, prioritize climate actions in development, and implement reforms in critical sectors. It also establishes the National Committee for Environment and Climate Change and supports the Bangladesh Climate and Development Partnership. The program encourages climate-smart agricultural practices, solar irrigation, resilient infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks for electric vehicles. ADB’s commitment aligns with its goal of delivering $100 billion in climate financing to member countries from 2019 to 2030.
ADB’s Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Program
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has embarked on a transformative initiative known as the Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Program, reflecting a commitment to address the dual challenges of climate change and social inclusivity in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary aim of this program is to foster sustainable development by integrating climate resilience measures into various sectors while ensuring inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable communities.
To achieve these goals, the ADB provides financial support through loans with conditions designed to encourage environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive practices. These loan conditions emphasize the adoption of climate-smart technologies, the promotion of renewable energy sources, and the implementation of resilient infrastructure. Furthermore, a crucial aspect of the program involves targeting marginalized populations, ensuring they benefit equitably from development initiatives.
In addition to financial assistance, the ADB facilitates capacity-building and knowledge-sharing activities to empower governments and communities in adopting best practices. The program’s holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of climate resilience and social inclusivity, aiming to create a more sustainable and equitable future for the region.
Through the Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Program, the ADB not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by climate change but also endeavors to build a foundation for long-term, inclusive, and environmentally conscious development across Asia and the Pacific.
Bangladesh’s Climate-Vulnerable Scenario
According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021 published by Germanwatch, Bangladesh is ranked 7th among the climate-vulnerable countries in the world. As a low-lying deltaic nation located in South Asia, Bangladesh is particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns. Bangladesh experiences an average annual loss of almost $3 billion, making it one of the most vulnerable nations in the world to the negative effects of climate change.
Some devastating impacts and damages of climate change in Bangladesh are discussed below:
Sea Level Rise:
Bangladesh faces the imminent threat of rising sea levels due to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. By 2100, there could be a 0.4- to 1.5-metre rise in sea levels, which presents Bangladesh’s islands with a possibility of going under. With much of its landmass just above sea level, even a modest increase in sea levels can lead to the salinization of coastal areas, contaminating freshwater sources and adversely affecting agriculture.
Cyclones and Storm Surges:
Bangladesh is no stranger to tropical cyclones, but climate change has intensified the frequency, severity, and damage of these storms.
Deadly storms in the Bay of Bengal have caused significant casualties throughout history. In 1970, a devastating storm in the region claimed the lives of half a million people in what is now modern-day Bangladesh. In 1991, a cyclone-induced tidal wave led to the death of around 138,000 individuals in Bangladesh. Cyclone Sidr, in 2007, caused a death toll of at least 4,000 in southern Bangladesh.
Flooding and River Erosion:
Changes in precipitation patterns and the melting of Himalayan glaciers contribute to increased river flows, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. The Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, which flow through Bangladesh, are prone to overflow during heavy rainfall, displacing millions and causing significant economic losses. The major three rivers will see an average increase in riverbank erosion of 13% by 2050 and 18% by 2100 as a result of climate change.
Temperature Extremes:
According to projections made by the global circulation model (GCM), Bangladesh’s average temperature will rise by 1.0°C by 2030 and 1.4°C by 2050 as a result of climate change. Rising temperatures and changing climate patterns contribute to heatwaves and extreme temperatures in Bangladesh. Prolonged periods of high temperatures can adversely affect agricultural productivity, human health, and overall well-being.
Impact on Agriculture:
The agricultural sector, which is a vital component of Bangladesh’s economy, is heavily dependent on climate-sensitive factors. Changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea levels can affect crop yields, leading to food insecurity and economic challenges for millions of farmers. Overall, the agricultural GDP in Bangladesh is projected to be 3.1 percent lower each year as a result of climate change.
Migration and Displacement:
The combination of sea-level rise, flooding, and cyclones has led to the displacement of communities, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. Climate-induced migration places additional stress on urban areas, leading to challenges in providing adequate housing, employment, and social services. According to the WHO, over 7.1 million Bangladeshis were displaced by climate change in 2022, and that figure might rise to 13.3 million by 2050.
Loss of Biodiversity:
The unique ecosystems of Bangladesh, including the Sundarbans mangrove forest, are facing threats due to climate change. Changes in temperature and sea levels can disrupt these ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and impacting the livelihoods of those dependent on natural resources.
Water Scarcity:
Climate change affects water availability and quality. Changing precipitation patterns, coupled with increased demand for water resources, contribute to water scarcity in various regions of Bangladesh, affecting both rural and urban populations.
Sectorial Plans and Actions for Climate Resilience
To the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan (2023–2050) and Nationally Determined Contributions 2021, Bangladesh has taken a sectorial development plan.
They are as follows,
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Bangladesh is focusing more on energy efficiency and renewable energy as part of its low-carbon development strategy. Installed solar power plants with a capacity of 708.17 MW and 1625.79 MW extra. Installed more than 6 million solar home systems in off-grid locations and distributed 4.5 million improved cook stoves in rural areas across the nation; a 149 MW wind power plant and power plant are currently under construction.
Adaptation Measures in Agriculture
To address the challenges posed by climate change, the Government of Bangladesh has initiated research focused on developing crop varieties resilient to drought, cold, waterlogging, diseases, pests, and salt. BRRI dhan 62 (100 days), 66, 71 (113 days); BINA dhan 7, 11, 16, 17, 19-22 (100-120 days); and traditional varieties with a growth cycle of 140-150 days constitute the early harvest short duration rice varieties.
The category of drought-tolerant early varieties encompasses BRRI dhan 42, 43 (100 days), 57 (100-105 days), 66, and 71 (also short duration); along with BINA dhan-17, 19, 21. Rice varieties demonstrating salt tolerance include BRRI dhan 23, 40, 41, 55, 67, 73 (8 ds/m); BRRI dhan 53, 54, 61 (6 ds/m); BRRI dhan 47 (8-12 ds/m), 97 (8-14 ds/m), 99 (8-10 ds/m); and BINA dhan 8, 10, 23.
Flooding-tolerant varieties encompass BRRI dhan 51, BRRI dhan 52, BRRI dhan 79; and BINA dhan 11, 12, 23. Other stress-tolerant crop varieties include BARI Gom 22, 23, 24 (heat-tolerant); BARI Gom 25, 26, 30, 31 (early maturing and heat-tolerant); BINA Gom 1 & BARI Hybrid Maize 16 (salt-tolerant); and BINA mung-8, 9, 10, BINA Masur 8, 10, and BARI Hybrid Maize 12, 13 (drought-tolerant)
Floating Agriculture in Bangladesh
Using locally accessible water hyacinth and other aquatic weeds, a floating bed in the wetlands of the south-central coastal regions is used to grow vegetables, spices, or seedlings. Fish are raised in the open water beneath the ground, while crops are grown on the floating substrate.
Disaster Management in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has gained global recognition for its success in Disaster Management and Risk Reduction. The Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), initiated in 1973 by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, boasts 76,140 volunteers, half of whom are women, focused on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Additionally, 46,000 urban volunteers contribute to urban safety and resilience. The country has constructed 4,200 Cyclone Shelters along the coast, along with 320 Flood Shelters nationwide, and 393 more are under construction. Specialized raised lands called Mujib Killa (550 in total) provide shelter for people and livestock during cyclones or tidal surges in coastal regions. Moreover, 60 Multipurpose Rescue Boats cater to individuals with disabilities. Disaster preparedness is further supported by 66 Disaster Relief Warehouse-cum-Disaster Information Centers. To enhance communication, 18 community radio networks have been established for coastal residents and fishermen. The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system delivers weather and early warnings, facilitating anticipatory action to minimize loss and damage.
Rehabilitation of Climate-Displaced People
To house 4,409 climate refugee households, Bangladesh has taken on the “Khurushkul Ashrayan Prokalpa,” the largest housing project for climate refugees in the world, in Cox’s Bazar. 139 five-story structures with contemporary amenities will be built.
In conclusion, the Asian Development Bank’s approval of a $400 million policy-based loan for Bangladesh signifies a critical step in addressing the country’s vulnerability to climate change. The Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Program aims to enhance resilience, reduce emissions, and promote inclusivity, aligning with Bangladesh’s commitment to combat climate challenges and demonstrating the ADB’s dedication to fostering sustainable and equitable development in the region.
