A Seminar on "Climate Change and Disasters: Bangladesh Story" on 12th October 2013 was organized by Department of Business Administration of Green University of Bangladesh (GUB) at its seminar hall under the chairmanship of Professor Dr. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Vice-Chancellor of this university.
Professor Dr. Ainun Nishat, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University was the Chief Guest and Ms. Syeda Rizwana Hasan was the Special Guest. The speakers in the seminar said that, Bangladesh is the nation most vulnerable to global climate change in the world, according to German Watch's Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) of 2011. This is based on the analysis of impacts of major climate events that occurred around the world in the twenty-year period since 1990. It is projected that, by 2020, from 500 to 750 million people will be affected by water stress caused by climate change around the world. Low-lying coastal regions, such as Bangladesh, are vulnerable to sea level rise and increased occurrence of intense, extreme weather conditions such as the cyclones from 2007–2009.
They also mentioned that, Natural disasters particularly tropical cyclones, tornadoes, storm surges and flooding - occur frequently in Bangladesh. With changing weather patterns, these disasters are predicted to become both more frequent and more intense. During the past century, over 400 tropical cyclones have struck Bangladesh's coast, causing widespread devastation and death. Earlier this year, Cyclone Mohasen hit Bangladesh, forcing thousands of people into emergency accommodation, causing flooding and crop devastation, and destroying many coastal homes and roads. But, because of the efforts of the government, NGOs and international development partners, better cyclone preparations meant far fewer people died than in previous years. Given the frequent climate change based catastrophes, Bangladesh needs to enhance food security by drafting and implementing new policies such as the 2006 National Food Policy.
As a result of all this, Bangladesh would need to prepare for long-term adaptation, which could be as drastic as changed sowing dates due to seasonal variations, introducing different varieties and species, to practicing novel water supply and irrigation systems. In essence, we have to identify all present vulnerabilities and future opportunities, adjusting priorities, at times even changing commodity and trade policies in all sectors while promoting training and education throughout the masses in all possible spheres.
