Bangladesh faces significant challenges in adapting to the impacts of climate change. Often cited as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Bangladesh’s topography and geographical location make it particularly susceptible to extreme weather events including cyclones in April-May and September-November, floods in July-August and storm surges. Its vulnerability is caused not only by its biophysical factors (being a flat, low, delta country exposed to flooding and cyclones), but also its socio-economic factors (such as high dependence on agriculture, population density, and poverty). While many parts of Bangladesh suffer from widespread and common floods, other parts experience seasonal droughts. These occur especially in the northwest of the country, and mostly in the months leading up to the November-December rice harvest.
Hotspots of climate change vulnerability, where both biophysical and socio-economic vulnerability are high, are in the central and western coastal area, the north-western highlands, and along the main rivers.
As per Germanwatch, GLOBAL CLIMATE RISK INDEX 2020, Bangladesh ranks 7th in climate risk index for the period of 1989-2018.
