Projected Impacts of a 1-Meter Sea Level Rise on the Coastal Zone of

Bangladesh in Relation to Proposed Adaptation Methodologies

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Scott Albert C Roker

United Nations Environment Program

Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development

Tongji University, China

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Fang Ping

Associate Professor of United Nations Environment Program

Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development

Tongji University, China

 

Abstract

Bangladesh is extremely susceptible to sea level rise due to the fact that it is a coastal country and it is densely populated (Brammer et al., 1993). It is projected that a 1-meter sea level rise at the coastal zone of Bangladesh will occur by 2030, and this would seriously impact 16% of the total landmass area which sustains a population of 17 million (15% of total population) (UNEP, 1989). As a result of the geographical location of Bangladesh, two thirds of the country is less than five meters above sea level (SPCR, 2010). Therefore, this makes the country vulnerable to sea level rise and also tidal flooding generated by storms. Sea level rise resulting from climate change will generate erosion of low lying coastal areas which will result in losses in shelter and livelihoods (Biswas, 2011). A 1-meter sea level rise would also impose a catastrophic impact on the biodiversity of Bangladesh (Hossain and Hossain, 2008). This paper asserts that these environmental phenomena can actually be minimized and managed through certain adaptations methodologies which are presented and explained.

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Keywords: sea level rise, climate change, coastal zone, impacts, erosion, adaptation.

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