Climate change 7 Bangladesh+UK

Bangladesh mitigation challenges

bangladesh 0.21tonnes of CO2 per capita per annum

Technological Challenges & Mitigation Strategies

• Challenge: Over 40% of Bangladesh’s population lacks access to reliable electricity, limiting the use of renewable energy.

  • Mitigation Strategy: Bangladesh Solar Home Systems have provided 6 million homes with electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Challenge: Insufficient infrastructure for large-scale renewable energy projects.

  • Mitigation Strategy: Bangladesh is expanding offshore wind energy, with potential to generate 30 GW, reducing emissions.

Political Challenges & Mitigation Strategies

• Challenge: Bangladesh emits 0.35% of global greenhouse gases, making climate funding a low priority for some international partners.

  • Mitigation Strategy: Active participation in the Paris Agreement, aiming for a 15% reduction in emissions by 2030.

• Challenge: Governance inefficiencies slow climate policy implementation.

  • Mitigation Strategy: Bangladesh’s Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) has allocated $450 million for adaptation and mitigation projects.

Socio-Economic Challenges & Mitigation Strategies

• Challenge: Bangladesh has poverty rates of 18.7%, limiting individual investment in mitigation efforts.

  • Mitigation Strategy: Promotion of climate-resilient rice varieties, increasing crop yields by 20% in flood-prone regions.

• Challenge: Rural displacement due to climate impacts strains urban resources.

  • Mitigation Strategy: Government investment in climate-resilient housing, benefiting 750,000 people across affected regions.

Bangladesh strategies mitigation

Renewable Energy Expansion

• Solar Home Systems: Over 6 million households use solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Offshore Wind Power: Studies suggest Bangladesh has the potential to generate up to 30 GW of wind energy.

Carbon Reduction Initiatives

• Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC): Bangladesh aims to cut 15% of emissions by 2030.

• Afforestation: The country has planted 77 million trees in coastal areas to absorb CO₂ and combat erosion.

Sustainable Agriculture

• Climate-Resilient Rice Varieties: New strains increase yields by 20% in flood-prone areas.

• Organic Farming Initiatives: Encouraging reduced chemical use to lower environmental impact.

Infrastructure & Adaptation

• Flood-Resistant Housing: Over 750,000 people benefit from elevated homes and cyclone shelters.

• Early Warning Systems: Disaster preparedness programs have reduced cyclone fatalities by 90% since the 1970s.

Bangladesh adaptation

Bangladesh has implemented salt-tolerant agriculture as a key adaptation strategy to combat soil salinization, which affects 53% of farmland in the country. Here are some specific approaches:

Salt-Tolerant Crop Cultivation

• Carrots, potatoes, kohlrabi, cabbage, and beets have been introduced as salt-tolerant varieties.

• Farmers trained in saline agriculture can now achieve 2 to 3 extra harvests per year, increasing food security.

Soil Management Techniques

• Salinity testing helps farmers determine which salt-tolerant crops will thrive in their fields.

• Crop rotation and organic soil amendments improve resilience against salt intrusion.

Water Management Strategies

• Seasonal water storage and rainwater harvesting help mitigate the effects of saline water intrusion.

• Desalination techniques are being explored to improve irrigation quality.

Community Training & Support

• 10,000 farmers have received training in saline agriculture, enabling them to restore degraded farmland.

• Public-private partnerships have helped scale up salt-tolerant farming, benefiting 30,000 farmers.

Bangladesh adaptation challenges

Socio-Economic Challenges

• High Poverty Rates: 18.7% of Bangladesh’s population lives below the poverty line, limiting their ability to invest in climate adaptation.

• Climate-Induced Migration: By 2050, up to 13.3 million people may be displaced due to rising sea levels and extreme weather.

• Agricultural Vulnerability: 53% of Bangladesh’s farmland is affected by soil salinization, reducing crop yields.

• Limited Funding: Bangladesh requires $3 billion annually for adaptation, but funding gaps persist.

Political Challenges

• Dependence on Foreign Aid: Bangladesh ranks 167th in climate preparedness out of 192 countries, relying heavily on international assistance.

• Policy Implementation Issues: Despite the National Adaptation Plan (2023-2050), enforcement of climate policies remains weak.

• Governance Constraints: Political instability slows climate adaptation efforts, affecting infrastructure projects.

Technological Challenges

• Limited Access to Green Technology: Only 40% of Bangladesh’s population has reliable electricity, restricting renewable energy expansion.

• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Bangladesh needs $2 billion in investment to improve climate-resilient infrastructure.

• Slow Adoption of Salt-Tolerant Crops: While salt-resistant rice varieties increase yields by 20%, adoption remains low due to lack of farmer training.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for stronger policies, increased funding, and technological advancements to ensure Bangladesh’s resilience against climate change.

Bangladesh socio economic impacts

Current Socio-Economic Impacts

• Economic Losses: Between 2000 and 2019, Bangladesh suffered $3.72 billion in economic losses due to extreme weather events.

• Agricultural Disruptions: By 2050, one-third of agricultural GDP may be lost due to climate variability and extreme events.

• Climate-Induced Migration: Rising sea levels and extreme weather could displace up to 13.3 million people within the next 30 years.

• Cyclone Damage: Tropical cyclones cost Bangladesh about $1 billion annually, impacting infrastructure and livelihoods.

Opportunities

• Global Climate Funding: Bangladesh can leverage international climate financing, needing at least $12.5 billion (about 3% of GDP) for climate action.

• Disaster Preparedness Leadership: Bangladesh has reduced cyclone-related deaths 100-fold since 1970, making it a global leader in disaster preparedness.

• Sustainable Agriculture: Investment in salt-tolerant crops and climate-resilient farming can improve food security and economic stability.

• Renewable Energy Growth: Expansion of solar home systems and offshore wind power can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create jobs.

Threats

• Sea-Level Rise: By 2050, Bangladesh may lose 11% of its land, forcing 18 million people to migrate.

• Extreme Weather Events: Bangladesh ranks 9th on the 2024 World Risk Index, making it highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods, and rising temperatures.

• Health Risks: Increased heat and humidity could worsen health conditions, leading to higher mortality rates and economic strain.

• Infrastructure Vulnerability: Without strong adaptation measures, severe flooding could reduce GDP by up to 9%.

• 20 million people live just above water line (sea levels rise)

Bangladesh current enviomental imapcts

Current Environmental Impacts

• Sea-Level Rise: Bangladesh may lose 11% of its land by 2050, displacing 18 million people.

• Extreme Weather Events: Ranked 9th on the 2024 World Risk Index, Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to cyclones, floods, and rising temperatures.

• Salinization: 53% of Bangladesh’s farmland is affected by soil salinity, reducing agricultural productivity.

• Biodiversity Loss: The Sundarbans mangrove forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is under threat due to rising sea levels and increased storm intensity.

Opportunities

• Mangrove Reforestation: Expanding mangrove forests can act as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion.

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Salt-tolerant crops and improved irrigation techniques can help sustain food production.

• Renewable Energy Growth: Bangladesh has the potential to generate 30 GW of offshore wind energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Disaster Preparedness Leadership: Bangladesh has reduced cyclone-related deaths 100-fold since 1970, making it a global leader in disaster response.

Threats

• Coastal Erosion: Rising sea levels and stronger storms are accelerating land loss, threatening one-third of Bangladesh’s population.

• Water Scarcity: Changing rainfall patterns and increased evaporation rates are reducing freshwater availability.

• Health Risks: Higher temperatures and humidity could worsen disease outbreaks, increasing mortality rates.

• Infrastructure Damage: Without strong adaptation measures, severe flooding could reduce GDP by up to 9%.

• 10% of country is 1 m above sea level, delta region is made up of alluvium heavy risk

uk mitigation

uk= 9.26 tonnes of CO2 per capita

Mitigation Strategies Used by the UK

1. Renewable Energy Expansion

   • The UK generates 40% of its electricity from renewable sources, including offshore wind farms, which contribute 14 GW to the grid.

   • The government aims to reach 50 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.

   • Solar energy capacity has increased to 15 GW, with further investments planned.

2. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

   • The UK is investing £20 billion in CCS projects to reduce industrial emissions.

   • The Northern Lights initiative aims to store 5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

3. Electric Vehicles (EVs) & Transport Decarbonization

   • The UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.

   • EV adoption has grown, with 40% of new car sales being electric in 2024.

   • Expansion of high-speed rail networks and public transport electrification.

4. Energy Efficiency & Building Retrofits

   • The UK has committed £6.6 billion to improve home insulation and energy efficiency.

   • The National Retrofit Strategy aims to upgrade 27 million homes by 2050.

Challenges in Climate MitigationTechnological Challenges

• Grid Infrastructure Limitations:

  • The UK’s electricity grid requires £54 billion in upgrades to support renewable energy expansion.

• Slow CCS Deployment:

  • Despite investment, CCS adoption remains low, with only two operational sites.

• Battery Storage Constraints:

  • The UK needs 10 GW of battery storage by 2030, but current capacity is only 2 GW.

Political Challenges

• Policy Uncertainty:

  • Frequent changes in government policies have slowed climate action.

• Funding Gaps:

  • The UK needs £50 billion annually for net-zero projects, but current funding falls short.

• Public Opposition to Wind Farms:

  • Local resistance has delayed onshore wind projects, despite their cost-effectiveness.

Socio-Economic Challenges

• High Costs for Consumers:

  • Energy bills have risen by 30% due to the transition to renewables.

• Job Displacement in Fossil Fuel Industries:

  • The UK’s oil and gas sector employs 200,000 people, requiring retraining programs.

• Regional Disparities:

  • Northern regions face higher climate adaptation costs, widening economic inequalities.

uk adaptation

UK Adaptation Strategies

1. Flood Defenses & Coastal Protection

   • The UK has invested £5.2 billion in flood defense projects between 2021 and 2027 to protect 336,000 properties.

   • The Thames Barrier, one of the largest flood defense systems in the world, protects 1.3 million people in London from storm surges.

2. Heatwave Preparedness & Urban Cooling

   • The UK is increasing green spaces in cities to reduce urban heat islands, with London aiming for 50% green coverage by 2050.

   • The government has introduced heatwave action plans to protect vulnerable populations, especially the elderly.

3. Water Resource Management

   • The UK is investing in desalination plants and reservoir expansion to combat drought risks.

   • The National Drought Framework ensures sustainable water use, with a focus on reducing consumption by 20% by 2050.

4. Climate-Resilient Agriculture

   • Farmers are adopting salt-tolerant crops and drought-resistant varieties to maintain food security.

   • The UK is promoting precision farming to optimize water and fertilizer use, reducing environmental impact.

Challenges in UK Climate AdaptationTechnological Challenges

• Infrastructure Limitations:

  • The UK needs £22 billion in upgrades to modernize flood defenses and climate-resilient infrastructure.

• Slow Adoption of Climate-Resilient Crops:

  • While salt-tolerant crops improve yields by 15%, adoption remains low due to lack of farmer incentives.

• Water Management Issues:

  • The UK loses 3 billion liters of water daily due to leaks, making drought adaptation more difficult.

Political Challenges

• Policy Uncertainty:

  • Frequent changes in government policies have slowed climate adaptation efforts.

• Funding Gaps:

  • The UK requires £10 billion annually for adaptation projects, but current funding falls short.

• Public Opposition to Infrastructure Projects:

  • Local resistance has delayed coastal defense expansions, despite rising sea levels.

Socio-Economic Challenges

• High Costs for Households:

  • Climate adaptation measures have increased household costs by £300 per year due to rising energy and water prices.

• Regional Disparities:

  • Northern regions face higher climate adaptation costs, widening economic inequalities.

• Job Displacement in Agriculture:

  • Farmers struggle to transition to climate-resilient crops, affecting 20% of agricultural jobs.

current socio economic impacts uk

Current Socio-Economic Impacts

• Economic Losses: Climate-related damages could cost the UK 3.3% of GDP by 2050 and 7.4% by 2100 if current policies remain unchanged.

• Agricultural Disruptions: The reduction of arable land due to drier conditions is projected to halve agriculture’s contribution to GDP by 2100.

• Climate-Induced Migration: Rising sea levels and extreme weather could force millions of people to relocate within the UK, increasing pressure on urban infrastructure.

• Flooding Costs: The UK spends £5.2 billion on flood defenses between 2021 and 2027, aiming to protect 336,000 properties.

Opportunities

• Green Economy Growth: The UK’s net-zero transition could provide a 4% GDP boost by mid-century through investments in clean energy and infrastructure.

• Renewable Energy Expansion: Offshore wind capacity is set to reach 50 GW by 2030, creating thousands of jobs.

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Investment in drought-resistant crops and precision farming can improve food security.

• Improved Public Health: Cleaner air from reduced fossil fuel use could lower respiratory illnesses and improve overall health.

Threats

• Sea-Level Rise: Coastal erosion threatens 1.3 million properties, requiring increased investment in coastal defenses.

• Extreme Weather Events: The UK is experiencing more frequent heatwaves and storms, increasing infrastructure damage and health risks.

• Water Scarcity: Changing rainfall patterns could reduce freshwater availability, affecting agriculture and industry.

• Economic Inequality: Climate adaptation costs disproportionately affect lower-income communities, widening regional disparities.

current environmental impacts uk

Current Environmental Impacts

• Rising Temperatures: The UK’s average temperature has increased by 1.1°C since 1884, leading to more frequent heatwaves.

• Extreme Weather Events: The UK now experiences twice as many extreme rainfall events compared to the 1960s, increasing flood risks.

• Sea-Level Rise: Coastal areas are seeing sea levels rise by 3-5mm per year, threatening 1.3 million properties.

• Biodiversity Loss: The UK has lost 41% of its native species since 1970 due to habitat destruction and climate change.

• Wildfires: The number of wildfires in the UK has increased by 50% in the last decade, damaging ecosystems and air quality.

Opportunities

• Renewable Energy Expansion: The UK has the potential to generate 50 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Carbon Sequestration: Reforestation projects aim to plant 30,000 hectares of trees annually, helping absorb CO₂.

• Flood Resilience Measures: The UK is investing £5.2 billion in flood defenses between 2021 and 2027, protecting 336,000 properties.

• Sustainable Agriculture: Adoption of climate-resilient crops and precision farming can improve food security and reduce environmental degradation.

Threats

• Coastal Erosion: Rising sea levels and stronger storms are accelerating land loss, threatening one-third of UK coastal communities.

• Water Scarcity: Changing rainfall patterns could reduce freshwater availability, affecting agriculture and industry.

• Health Risks: Higher temperatures and humidity could worsen disease outbreaks, increasing mortality rates.

• Infrastructure Damage: Without strong adaptation measures, severe flooding could reduce GDP by up to 9%.