“Escaping Flood Waters: The Climate Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh”

Parul Akter, a resident of Dhaka, Bangladesh, has been forced to move to the capital city due to the devastating effects of climate change in her village. Seven years ago, a monsoon flood destroyed everything in her village in Bhola, located on the country’s south-west coast. With no other option, Parul and her family moved to Dhaka to start a new life.

Dhaka, a city that already attracts around 2,000 people daily, has become a magnet for individuals escaping rural poverty and the impacts of climate change. Bangladesh, despite contributing only 0.4 metric tonnes per capita to carbon emissions, is expected to face severe consequences of climate change in the coming decades. By 2080, the country could be 2C hotter, with sea levels rising by 2ft.

The changing climate has led to glaciers melting faster in the Himalayas, resulting in more floodwaters battering the Bay of Bengal. Cyclones are becoming more frequent and intense, while salty seawater is polluting drinking supplies and fertile land is being destroyed. As a result, many individuals, like Parul Akter, are forced to migrate to cities like Dhaka in search of a better life.

Despite the challenges faced by environmental migrants, solutions are rarely included in urban development plans. Climate refugees have no legal standing under international law, and there are no binding global agreements to address their needs. The issue of environmental migration was reportedly removed from the agenda of the Paris climate talks, though it may be reintroduced during negotiations.

In Dhaka, a city already bursting at the seams with a population of over 15 million, the influx of climate refugees is putting a strain on resources and infrastructure. The slums are expanding rapidly, and within two decades, the city’s population could double to 30 million. The city is facing challenges such as water shortages, flooding, and groundwater depletion, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Despite the grim outlook, Bangladeshis are known for their resilience and ability to bounce back from challenges. The country has responded to climate challenges with innovation, such as promoting salt-tolerant crops and micro-finance initiatives. However, there is a growing need for legal protections and support for environmental migrants who have been forced to leave their homes due to climate change.

In conclusion, the story of Parul Akter and other climate refugees in Dhaka highlights the urgent need for global action to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. As more individuals are forced to migrate due to environmental disasters, cities like Dhaka must find sustainable solutions to accommodate and support these communities in the face of a changing climate.