Resources - Denmark vs. Bangladesh

Climate Change Impact on Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces rising sea levels, changing monsoon patterns, coastal flooding, and more severe tropical cyclones.

Population of Bangladesh

Bangladesh's population is almost 170 million, with a population density of 1,329 people per km², increasing pressure on resources.

Natural Increase Rate in Bangladesh

The rate of natural increase in Bangladesh is 12 per 1,000 people.

Water Insecurity in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has 238 major rivers, yet 40% of the population lacks access to safe water, and 70% have no improved sanitation.

Groundwater Scarcity

Over 40% of northwestern Bangladesh experiences groundwater scarcity, especially in summer.

Water Pollution and Arsenic

50% of Bangladesh’s population drinks water contaminated with arsenic due to high river and groundwater pollution levels.

Groundwater Over-abstraction

In Dhaka, over-abstraction of groundwater has lowered levels by 2-3 meters annually and increased salt intrusion risks.

Water Use in Agriculture

Agriculture accounts for 80% of Bangladesh’s water withdrawal, leading to excessive demand and overuse.

Himalayan Glacier Melt

Reduction of ice stores in the Himalayas will further decrease Bangladesh’s water supply in the future.

Food Insecurity in Bangladesh

25% of Bangladesh's population faces food insecurity, with 11 million suffering acute hunger.

Child Malnutrition

36% of children under five in Bangladesh suffer from stunting, indicating chronic malnutrition.

Soil Salinity

Coastal flooding has increased soil salinity by 26% over the past 35 years, reducing crop yields.

Farmland Loss

An estimated 69,000 hectares of farmland are lost annually in Bangladesh due to erosion and construction.

Cyclone Sidr's Impact

Cyclone Sidr (2007) damaged 1.5 million hectares of farmland and killed nearly 500,000 livestock, worsening food security.

Energy Insecurity in Bangladesh

Electricity availability in Bangladesh has increased from 20% in 2000 to 85% in 2023, yet the country relies heavily on energy imports.

Bangladesh’s Energy Mix

Gas: 54%, Oil: 22%, Coal: 7%, Biofuels and Waste: 16%, Renewables: 1.2%.

Renewable Energy Goals

Bangladesh aims to increase renewable energy to 15% by 2030, with a growing focus on solar power.

Solar Power in Bangladesh

To avoid using agricultural land, solar power expansion is focused on rooftop systems.

Denmark’s WFE Security

Denmark faces challenges like rising sea levels and increased precipitation but has better resource security compared to Bangladesh.

Population of Denmark

Denmark has a population of almost 6 million with a population density of 139 people per km².

Water Surplus in Denmark

Denmark has a water surplus, with available resources of 1,800 million m³ per year and demand of 1,000 million m³ per year.

Access to Safe Water

100% of Denmark's population has access to safe drinking water, and 90% are connected to the main sewage network.

Groundwater Use

Denmark primarily relies on groundwater for its water supply, with equal distribution between agriculture, domestic, and industrial use.

Threats to Water Security

Denmark faces salt intrusion and salinisation of groundwater due to rising sea levels and increased demand.

Food Security in Denmark

Denmark has high food security, with only 1.8% experiencing severe food insecurity and just 13% of food being imported.

Food Security Threats in Denmark

Rising temperatures have lengthened the growing season but increased pest, disease, fertiliser use, and water pollution risks.

Impact on Fisheries

Water temperature rise has affected traditional fish populations like salmon and trout and introduced new species like hake.

Energy Security in Denmark

Denmark imports about 12% of its energy, has high energy security, and 100% of the population has access to electricity.

Denmark’s Energy Mix

Oil: 38%, Biofuels: 33.6%, Other Renewables: 12.4%, Gas: 9.4%, Coal: 7.0%.

Reduction of Fossil Fuels

Denmark has closed all oil-fired power stations and is phasing out coal-fired stations, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.