Bangladesh is a country that is heavily influenced by water. Its rivers, originating from the Himalayas, flow through ponds, wetlands, and tributaries before reaching the Bay of Bengal. However, water has become a significant threat to the nation, manifesting in the forms of drought, deluge, cyclones, and saltwater intrusion. These challenges have been exacerbated by climate change, forcing millions of people to find innovative ways to adapt.
The experiences of Bangladesh hold valuable lessons for the rest of the world, as what this delta nation faces today could be a glimpse into the future for many others. In response to heavy rains upstream, the people of Bangladesh rush to harvest rice, build floating gardens using water hyacinths for growing vegetables, and employ creative methods like compost-filled plastic boxes to cultivate crops in saline soil. As the land erodes, people are forced to relocate, and in areas with scarce drinking water, rainwater harvesting is becoming a necessity.
Saber Hossain Chowdhury, a lawmaker, compares Bangladesh’s efforts to plug a leaky barrel. With limited resources, tackling multiple challenges simultaneously is no easy feat. The country has been successful in saving lives during cyclones and floods, but it still faces numerous issues such as finding new sources of drinking water, expanding crop insurance, and preparing cities for an influx of migrants. Unfortunately, wealthy nations have not provided adequate financial support to help developing countries adapt to these hazards.
Half of Bangladesh’s 64 districts are considered vulnerable to climate change. To mitigate the impact, an early warning system has been implemented, alerting people of impending floods or cyclones. Agricultural extension worker Rakibul Alam successfully convinced farmers to harvest their rice early, saving the crops from potential destruction. While the government has ambitious plans to adapt to climate change, many projects remain unrealized, with concerns of mismanagement and corruption undermining their effectiveness.
In regions prone to flooding, like the district of Gopalganj, farmers have found an innovative solution: floating gardens. By using water hyacinths as a base, they grow crops that rise and float with the water levels. This method has been practiced for centuries, but recently, the government has been supporting the expansion of floating gardens to other vulnerable districts. This approach provides a source of income and allows families to grow fresh produce without harmful chemicals.
However, there are looming threats, such as the intrusion of seawater due to sea-level rise, damming of rivers, and excessive groundwater extraction. The Sundarbans, a mangrove forest on the coast, is particularly affected, endangering the sundari, the main tree species. The landscape is changing irreversibly, with little hope for recovery unless salinity decreases.
The problem of saltwater intrusion is a daily crisis for Sheela Biswas and the 30 million people living along the coast. The influx of shrimp farming has led to saltwater spreading, making ponds and canals undrinkable. To cope with this, Biswas has resorted to buying water and collecting rainwater using homemade systems. But bathing in the salty water has resulted in skin rashes and an increase in hypertension cases.
Bangladesh’s experiences in dealing with water-related challenges offer valuable insights into adapting to climate change. Their innovative methods and resilience should serve as an inspiration for the world to work together in finding sustainable solutions and providing necessary support to vulnerable nations.
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