2009年-世界发展银行全球_Bangladesh_-_Policy_Note_on_Climate_Change_4页_149kb

Bangladesh: Policy Note on Climate Change (February 11, 2009)

Overview

Bangladesh is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change and natural disasters due to its high population density, frequent cyclones, storm surges, and floods. Between 30-50% of the country is affected by flooding each year, and climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of these events, leading to more severe impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and development prospects. The country has taken proactive steps to address these challenges by implementing policies and investing in adaptation measures, including the development of a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.

The Climate Challenge

1. Poverty Alleviation and Climate Change

• Bangladesh's primary development challenge is to lift 50–55 million people out of poverty.
• Climate change must be integrated into development strategies to ensure that poverty reduction efforts are not undermined by natural disasters.

2. Vulnerability to Climate Change

• Bangladesh is ranked as the most climate-vulnerable country in the world.
• Rising global temperatures are expected to increase cyclone frequency and intensity in the Bay of Bengal.
• Increased monsoon rainfall will lead to more flooding in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna Basin.
• Sea level rise is projected to range from 9–88 cm by 2100, with significant implications for coastal areas.

3. Water-Related Impacts

• Coastal Resources: A 45 cm sea level rise could inundate 75% of the Sundarbans, while a 1 meter rise would flood 18% of the country, impacting 11% of the population.
• Floods and Droughts: Floods are a major economic burden, with the 2004 flood causing $2.3 billion in damages. Over two-thirds of the country lies below 5 meters above sea level, increasing vulnerability.
• Agriculture: The agricultural sector, which employs two-thirds of the labor force and contributes 22% to GDP, is at risk due to longer flood periods, increased salinity, and erosion.

Actions Taken by Bangladesh

1. Global Engagement

• Since 1998, Bangladesh has actively participated in global climate discussions.
• At the Bali Conference (2007) and UN General Assembly (2008), it emphasized the need for international support for LDCs in areas like food security, water, energy, and livelihoods.
• It continues to lead in climate negotiations, advocating for a fair and equitable post-Kyoto Framework for developing countries.

2. National Policies and Adaptation Measures

• Bangladesh has adopted various policies and invested heavily in adaptation.
• Key investments include flood management schemes, coastal embankments, cyclone and flood shelters, and raising roads and highways.
• These efforts have significantly improved disaster management capabilities since 1991.

3. Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan

• The strategy outlines six pillars to build climate resilience:

World Bank Assistance

The World Bank supports Bangladesh in addressing climate change through a combination of analytic work, lending, and technical assistance.

1. Analytic Work

• Studies on climate change impacts on food security and agriculture.
• Research on saltwater intrusion in coastal areas.
• Exploration of market-based agricultural insurance.
• Quantification of the economic impact of climate change.

2. Lending Activities

• Since 1996, the Bank has supported coastal embankment rehabilitation.
• The Water Management Improvement Project promotes sustainable water resource management through a participatory approach.
• Additional funding is available through IDA 15, which includes a special allocation for climate change activities.

3. Technical Assistance

• Part of the South Asia Water Initiative, the Bank supports regional water resource management.
• Assists in developing the national water resources management plan.
• Advances the Himalayan Watershed agenda and conducts a Strategic Assessment of the Ganges River Basin to improve regional flood management.

4. Multi Donor Trust Fund (MTDF)

• In September 2008, the donor community established a Multi Donor Trust Fund for Climate Change in Bangladesh.
• The World Bank administers the fund to harmonize international assistance, avoid overlapping activities, and reduce transaction costs.
• The MTDF ensures accountability and sound targeting through robust fiduciary management.
• As of the note's date, US$ 100 million has been committed to the fund.

Conclusion

Bangladesh faces significant climate challenges, particularly in the areas of water resources and agriculture, which threaten its development and poverty reduction goals. The country has made substantial progress in addressing these issues through policy development and investment in adaptation measures. The establishment of the Multi Donor Trust Fund, administered by the World Bank, represents a key step in mobilizing international support and ensuring effective use of climate finance.