Bangladesh Develops Innovations to Fight Climate Change

Bangladesh Develops Innovations to Fight Climate Change

People moving under heavy rain in Bangladesh
People moving under heavy rain in Bangladesh. Credit: Newshour.

Bangladesh, a country with low-lying topography, contributes only 0.5% of the global carbon emissions. Despite its minimal carbon footprint, Bangladesh bears a disproportionate burden of the consequences of climate change caused by such emissions. Nevertheless, Bangladesh is actively developing innovative methods to forecast and safeguard against climate-induced calamities. The discoveries made by Bangladesh in this regard could offer valuable insights to other nations worldwide.

The low-lying nation of Bangladesh suffers disproportionately from climate change, despite producing just 0.5 percent of the world’s carbon emissions. It’s also creating innovative ways to predict and protect against climate-driven disasters, and discovering new ways to build resilience using natural resources. NPR international correspondent Lauren Frayer joins Ali Rogin to discuss.

Bangladesh is located in South Asia, sharing borders with India. Its capital and largest city is Dhaka.This is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, with rising sea levels, floods, and cyclones regularly devastating its coastal areas. In response to this urgent need, they have developed innovative solutions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Incredible Innovations

One of the most successful initiatives in Bangladesh is the creation of floating farms, which are designed to withstand flooding caused by rising sea levels. These farms are built on floating platforms made of bamboo and other locally available materials, and they can support crops such as cucumbers, pumpkins, and beans. What allowed farmers to continue growing food despite the flooding, which previously caused widespread food shortages and economic losses.

Another innovation developed was the use of solar-powered irrigation pumps. These pumps are being used by farmers to pump water from rivers and canals to irrigate their fields, reducing the need for diesel-powered pumps that contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Bangladesh has also developed early warning systems and evacuation plans to protect its citizens from the impact of cyclones and floods. The country has also invested heavily in the development of climate-resilient infrastructure, such as elevated roads and buildings that can withstand strong winds and flooding.

A family walks along a coastal embankment in Bagerhat, Bangladesh. Courtesy: S M Mehedi Hasan/World Bank
A family walks along a coastal embankment in Bagerhat, Bangladesh. Courtesy: S M Mehedi Hasan/World Bank

Overall, Bangladesh’s innovative solutions to climate change demonstrate the importance of investing in research and development to address global challenges. By focusing on local needs, resources and developing practical solutions this country is a model for countries facing similar challenges.


Read the original article on Newshour.

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