Global World Bank Report Reveals Potential Climate Migration Crisis in Bangladesh by 2050
The global World Bank report, Groundswell part II, released on Monday, reveals alarming statistics about the potential impact of climate change on migration in Bangladesh. According to the report, as many as 13.3 million people in coastal areas of Bangladesh could be forced to leave their homes by 2050 due to salinity, rising sea levels, and other adverse climate impacts. This accounts for around 37% of all South Asian climate migrants.
The report highlights the vulnerability of South Asia to climate change impacts, particularly in coastal and deltaic areas facing sea-level rise and storm surges. It predicts that reduced agricultural production, water scarcity, and other climate-related factors could lead to up to 216 million people migrating within their own countries by 2050.
In the context of Bangladesh, the report emphasizes the country’s high vulnerability to climate change and the potential for climate migration to outpace other internal migrations. The 2018 report projected that Bangladesh could account for a third of internal climate migrants in South Asia by 2050, driven by its growing population and susceptibility to climate change.
The report also highlights the gendered impacts of climate migration, noting that both flooding and crop failure can increase migration by women, who often have less secure access to land. While migration from rural to urban areas can lead to shifts in traditional gender roles and provide opportunities for women, it can also expose them to risks of exploitation and violations of their rights.
The report acknowledges the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it difficult for people to leave at-risk areas due to mobility restrictions. It also recognizes Bangladesh’s efforts to address climate change through initiatives like the Perspective Plan 2021–2041 and the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, which aim to build resilience in key sectors, especially agriculture.
Juergen Voegele, the World Bank’s vice-president for sustainable development, emphasizes the need for decisive action to address climate migration. He warns that without intervention, “hotspots” of climate migration could emerge within the next decade and intensify by 2050. However, he also highlights the potential for reducing internal climate migration by up to 80% if countries take steps to reduce greenhouse gases, close development gaps, restore ecosystems, and help people adapt.
Overall, the report paints a stark picture of the potential impact of climate change on migration in Bangladesh and underscores the urgent need for global action to address this growing crisis.