Sea Level Rising, Coast Under Threat

 

Sea Level Rising, Coast Under Threat

Rising Sea Levels in Bangladesh

Recent studies reveal that the sea level along Bangladesh's coast is rising at an alarming rate, higher than the global average. This increase poses significant threats, including inundation and increased salinity, which could severely impact the region's ecology, agriculture, groundwater, and infrastructure.

Key Findings from Recent Studies

Three separate studies conducted by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and the government's Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) highlight the urgent situation. Funded by the Climate Change Trust Fund, these studies provide a detailed picture of the current and future impacts of sea level rise.

1. Study by BUET: Using satellite altimetry data, BUET observed sea level changes from 1993 to 2019. The findings show that sea levels along the Ganges coastal floodplains, Meghna estuary, and Chattogram coast are rising significantly:

   • Ganges coastal floodplains: 5.3 to 5.8mm per year
   • Meghna estuary: 4.2 to 5.3mm per year
   • Chattogram coast: 3.7 to 4.2mm per year

   The overall average rise in Bangladesh is 5.8mm per year, which is higher than the global average of 3.42mm per year, as reported by the IPCC.

2. Studies by CEGIS: These studies used various models to predict the future impact of rising sea levels on water and agricultural infrastructure. They indicate that a sea level rise of 50cm to 95cm could flood 8% to 15% of coastal areas, particularly in Gopalganj, Barishal, Pirojpur, and Jhalkathi. Additionally, increased salinity could severely affect agriculture and drinking water supplies.

Implications for Coastal Communities

The rising sea levels and increased salinity have dire implications for the people living along the coast. For instance, residents of Datinakhali village in Shyamnagar, Satkhira, already face challenges in accessing clean drinking water due to the salinization of their local water sources. This situation is exacerbated during extreme weather events like cyclones.

Expert Insights

Professor AKM Saiful Islam, involved with the IPCC, emphasized that the rate of sea level rise in Bangladesh is much higher than the global average. This rapid increase is leading to subsidence and other ecological impacts, threatening food security and livelihoods.

Hydrologist Mujibur Rahman from United International University pointed out the need for better regional cooperation to manage water resources effectively. He highlighted that equitable water sharing with neighboring countries could mitigate some of the impacts of saline water intrusion.

Recommendations

To address these challenges, the studies recommend:

• Strengthening regional cooperation with India, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to ensure a fair share of freshwater resources.
• Implementing measures to manage and reduce salinity in coastal areas.
• Increasing global advocacy for climate action to mitigate the effects of global warming.

The findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the rising sea levels and protect the vulnerable coastal communities in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The rising sea levels along Bangladesh's coast pose significant risks to the region's environment and inhabitants. The studies call for immediate and sustained action to mitigate these impacts and safeguard the future of the coastal regions. Strengthening regional cooperation and global advocacy are crucial steps in this direction.