By strengthening institutions and partnerships between the government, the private sector, and communities, Bangladesh can accelerate the adoption of climate-smart solutions that not only reduce vulnerability but also drive sustainable development.
Prioritizing these actions will empower households and firms, and ensure that progress toward long-term prosperity is both resilient and inclusive.
This was highlighted in a World Bank report “From Risk to Resilience: Helping People and Firms Adapt in South Asia,” launched today at a city hotel. The report also assessed that the burden of climate adaptation has fallen primarily on households and firms.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh has a unique opportunity to build resilience for the future. Investments in early warning systems and cyclone shelters have helped reduce fatalities during major storms.
This demonstrates how targeted investments and effective institutions can help scale up local adaptation successfully, said a press release.
It said South Asia, with its dense population, high temperatures and exposed geography, is one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions-and Bangladesh is among the most at risk.
By 2030, nearly 90 percent of the region’s population will be at risk of extreme heat and nearly a quarter at risk of severe flooding. With an increase in water and soil salinity in the coastal regions, the climate crisis is severely impacting millions of lives in Bangladesh.Awareness of climate risks is high as more than three-quarters of households and firms expect a weather shock in the next 10 years. 63 percent of firms and 80 percent of households have taken action. However, most rely on basic, low-cost solutions rather than leveraging advanced technologies and public infrastructure.
According to a survey conducted in 250 coastal communities in Bangladesh, the most pressing unmet demand for climate adaptation is climate-resilient infrastructure.
Inadequate infrastructure for disaster protection and a lack of funding for adaptation were identified as major long-term challenges by 57% and 56% of households, respectively. The impacts are not just environmental but deeply human, as poor and agricultural households are disproportionately affected.
Public investments such as building embankments and cyclone shelters have saved lives and reduced damages. Case studies from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan show that well-targeted social assistance programmes, combined with up-to-date information, can be rapidly scaled up to respond to shocks and provide support for the poor and vulnerable.
However, with governments having limited room to act due to fiscal constraints, private sector adaptation through a comprehensive policy package needs to be facilitated.
“Bangladesh’s resilience is being continually tested by evolving environmental challenges. While adaptation is widespread, with increasing climate risks, more needs to be done,” said Jean Pesme, World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.
“The country’s resilience will depend on scaling up early warning systems, social protection, climate-smart agriculture, and adaptation finance-including innovative risk finance solutions-alongside targeted urban interventions,” added Pesme.
A thorough, multifaceted strategy for climate adaptation is recommended in the paper. Access to official credit and insurance, as well as early warning systems, must be improved.
If the private sector can shift investments and resources where they are most needed in response to climate challenges, around one-third of climate-related losses could be prevented. Governments in South Asia can contribute to this even with little funds by increasing financial access, enhancing digital and transportation networks, and making sure social assistance systems are flexible and targeted.
The government should also adopt adaptation strategies that involve new resilient technologies or public support in the form of core public goods such as roads and health systems that help access jobs and protect human capital.
“Bangladesh’s experience offers both lessons and a critical test case for climate adaptation in South Asia,” said Siddharth Sharma, World Bank Lead Economist and co-author of the report.
“The country’s people and businesses are already adapting, but the scale and complexity of the climate crisis demand urgent, coordinated action from government and the private sector,” added Sharma.
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