Climate change to displace over 95 mn Bangladeshis

By IANS,

Dhaka : Climate change in Bangladesh will force the displacement of over 95 million people by 2040, says a new report by a local think tank.

The report titled "The Tempest of Exodus: The Case of Climate Change-induced Displacement in Bangladesh and International Negotiations" has been prepared by think tank Unnayan Onneshan, Xinhua reported.

The study said flood may displace 5.25 million by 2020, 11.02 million by 2030, and 23.16 million people by 2040 based upon the historical trend.

Likewise, if radical actions are not taken, 1.58 million may be displaced due to cyclone by 2020, 6.46 million by 2030 and 26.39 million people by 2040.

In addition, riverbank erosion could displace 11.62 million by 2020, 26.15 million by 2030 and 40.67 million by 2040. Drought may also lead to the exodus of 3.92 million, 4.64 million and 5.5 million people by 2020, 2030 and 2040.

Taking into account all these situations, the research group estimated that climate change-induced migration in Bangladesh may reach 22.37 million, 48.28 million and 95.72 million by 2020, 2030 and 2040.

The Unnayan Onneshan said that on an average, 2.5 million people are displaced permanently by every major flood.

A new World Bank report published Nov 18 said the sea level would rise by up to three feet in Bangladesh where water scarcity and falling crop yield exacerbate hunger and poverty.

The report titled "Turn Down the Heat" said all nations would suffer the effects of a warmer world, but it is the world's poorest countries that will be hit hardest by food shortages, rising sea levels, cyclones and drought.

It also said some of the most highly vulnerable cities are located in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mexico and Venezuela.