Bangladesh at Climate Crossroads: Adaptation Leader Faces Funding Crisis Amid Rising Disasters
Shahanaz Ali has lived a life marked by displacement due to cyclones in Bangladesh, illustrating the personal toll of climate change in a country historically ravaged by natural disasters like the 1970 Bhola cyclone. Bangladesh’s geography makes it exceptionally prone to climate-related challenges, yet it has emerged as a leader in climate adaptation.
However, a report from the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) in Dhaka signals a looming crisis. Despite significant progress, Bangladesh faces an alarming increase in extreme weather events, with 185 occurrences from 2000 to 2019, including cyclones, heatwaves, and floods. The report stresses that the current pace and scope of adaptation efforts are insufficient to protect its population, critical infrastructure, and ecosystems without increased funding and support.
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