Rising Seas Threaten Bangladesh’s Coastline

Summary:
In Bangladesh, climate change is driving rapid sea level rise, leading to the submergence of coastal areas. Aziz, a 75-year-old fisherman, now fishes over his submerged former home, highlighting the personal impacts of this environmental crisis. Government scientists report that Bangladesh’s sea levels are rising over 60% faster than the global average, potentially displacing at least a million people by 2050.
The study led by A.K.M. Saiful Islam attributes this accelerated rise to melting ice caps, warming oceans, and increased river water flow during monsoons. With sea levels rising at 4.2 to 5.8 millimeters annually along the coast, local communities face severe destruction from more frequent and intense cyclones and storm surges, which contaminate freshwater sources and destroy crops.
Bangladesh, highly vulnerable to climate change, has already experienced record heatwaves and devastating cyclones. Experts like Ainun Nishat from Brac University argue that the poorest are suffering due to the carbon emissions of wealthier nations. With time running out, there is an urgent call for global action to mitigate these effects and support adaptation efforts.