Vulnerabilities and responses to climate change for Dhaka

Abstract

The relationship between climate change and cities is complex. Citybased activities contribute signifi cant amounts of greenhouse gases and, simultaneously, are often more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Dhaka is now the world's eighth largest city and a signifi cant proportion of Bangladesh's greenhouse gases are generated there although, relative to total emissions worldwide, the contribution is negligible. But this contribution is likely to increase rapidly with the continuing growth of the city's population, economy and electricity consumption, as well as increased motor vehicle use. At the same time, Dhaka is prone to damaging and costly fl ooding, both from the rivers that bound it and from rainfall that generates runoff that is beyond the capacity of the drains. In less than 20 years, the city has faced three major fl oods, each causing huge damage and economic loss. Although the government has taken a number of measures to improve both Dhaka's air quality and its capacity to withstand fl oods, there are further opportunities in both areas. This paper discusses, in specifi c terms, the scale of the threats, the measures taken to address them and the potential for more effective action.

Health Risks through Flooding and Coping Strategies for Citizens of Dhaka

“…The menace of climate change in coastal or other rural areas of Bangladesh displaces them and in search for protection they go to the cities [4] Climate change leads to fewer resources which constrain possible in Dhaka proved that constructions had the effect that uncontrolled settlement in low-lying areas of Dhaka grew very fast and so this is not a final solution [10]. Besides, constructional measures have been researched well.…”

“…In other words, days with rain are going to be more seldom but if rain falls, it is going to be more extreme. Even though the death toll might be not so high, the number of people who are affected through floods is in general multiple times higher [10].…”

“…Flooding is the most often occurring natural hazard in Dhaka [10]. The four rivers Buriganga, Lakhya, Turag and TongiKhal are around Dhaka and nowadays if a flood occurs, major parts of the city are drowned [11].…”

“…People are not able to go back to their homes for several days. From an economic view point, the infrastructure gets destroyed, economic activities halt during this time and property gets damaged [10].…”

Encroachment of Canals of Dhaka City, Bangladesh: An Investigative Approach

“…The city at the moment, particularly, during the heavy downfall in the wet-season gets water logged. The scenario would be worsening with time as erratic and intense rainfall events postulated (Islam 2009) to be increasing their frequencies due to climate change (Alam 2007). There is a general observation that the reduction of wetlands and other water bodies in Dhaka city is because of the progressive urbanization (Kamal 2004;Dewan 2006).…”