Climate change is a major global issue with serious effects on people, ecosystems, and the environment. Since the 1970s, climate change has accelerated rapidly due to human activities, causing rising temperatures and increased weather variability. Although Bangladesh contributes little to climate change, it is highly vulnerable because of its reliance on natural resources and limited adaptive capacity. Adaptation is crucial to managing these changes and reducing associated risks. Bangladesh has developed numerous plans and strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate impacts. However, many challenges remain in implementing these plans, including financial constraints, technological gaps, environmental factors, governance issues, and sociocultural barriers. Successfully executing these plans is vital to reducing climate risks and achieving national climate goals.
The government has adopted several key policies and plans. The National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA), launched in 2005, focuses on critical adaptation measures in agriculture, water resource management, and disaster management. The Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) 2009 aims to reduce vulnerability to climate change and enhance adaptive capacity through components such as food security and disaster preparedness. The more recent National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-2050 emphasises integrating climate adaptation with national development priorities, including water management, agriculture, and urban planning. Additionally, the Delta Plan 2100, designed for long-term water resource management in the 21st century, addresses climate change impacts and delta sustainability. The National Environmental Policy (NEP) 2018 prioritises improving environmental quality and sustainable natural resource management.
Despite these comprehensive frameworks, implementation challenges persist. Financial constraints, such as insufficient budgets and resource allocation, limit progress. Governance issues include poor coordination among ministries and weak institutional capacity. Environmental and technological hurdles involve frequent natural disasters and a lack of technical expertise. Sociocultural challenges arise from marginalised communities and cultural barriers that impede effective adaptation.
To overcome these challenges, Bangladesh must strengthen financial stability, enhance capacity building, invest in climate science and technology, target support to the most vulnerable populations, and develop robust monitoring and evaluation systems. These policies are essential for reducing climate vulnerability and supporting sustainable development goals.
Like many developing countries, Bangladesh faces high climate vulnerability alongside persistent socio-economic challenges that hinder climate adaptation efforts. Effective implementation of adaptation policies is critical for mitigating climate risks and promoting resilient development. Addressing the identified challenges will enhance Bangladesh's adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change.
Md Idris
Post-graduate student
Department of Population Sciences
University of Dhaka
