Households' perception of climate change and human health risks: A community perspective

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bangladesh has been identified as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world concerning the adverse effects of climate change (CC). However, little is known about the perception of CC from the community, which is important for developing adaptation strategies.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was a cross-sectional survey of respondents from two villages--one from the northern part and the other from the southern part of Bangladesh. A total of 450 households were selected randomly through multistage sampling completed a semi-structure questionnaire. This was supplemented with 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 15 key informant interviews (KIIs).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Over 95 percent of the respondents reported that the heat during the summers had increased and 80.2 percent reported that rainfall had decreased, compared to their previous experiences. Approximately 65 percent reported that winters were warmer than in previous years but they still experienced very erratic and severe cold during the winter for about 5-7 days, which restricted their activities with very destructive effect on agricultural production, everyday life and the health of people. FGDs and KIIs also reported that overall winters were warmer. Eighty point two percent, 72.5 percent and 54.7 percent survey respondents perceived that the frequency of water, heat and cold related diseases/health problems, respectively, had increased compared to five to ten years ago. FGDs and KIIs respondents were also reported the same.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Respondents had clear perceptions about changes in heat, cold and rainfall that had occurred over the last five to ten years. Local perceptions of climate variability (CV) included increased heat, overall warmer winters, reduced rainfall and fewer floods. The effects of CV were mostly negative in terms of means of living, human health, agriculture and overall livelihoods. Most local perceptions on CV are consistent with the evidence regarding the vulnerability of Bangladesh to CC. Such findings can be used to formulate appropriate sector programs and interventions. The systematic collection of such information will allow scientists, researchers and policy makers to design and implement appropriate adaptation strategies for CC in countries that are especially vulnerable.</p

Climate change impacts from the global scale to the regional scale : Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a beautiful nation. Sadly, it is facing multiple impacts of global warming. The most prominent issues are increased risks of drought, hurricanes, and cyclones; and salt intrusion due to sea level rise and storm surges. Adaptation is difficult and expensive. The Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius has already warned that an increase in carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere could lead to worldwide temperature increases. Because of various development activities leading to greenhouse gas emissions, the world climate is changing rapidly. Climate change is found in both developing and developed countries, but many developing countries are more affected by climate change and can do less about it. Many poor tropical countries do not have the means to improve their resilience against the effects of climate change. Many island states in the Pacific present examples of this dilemma. Bangladesh is an example of a large country with a large and dense population and is recognized worldwide as being extremely vulnerable to the impacts of global warming and climate change. It is a large delta area vulnerable to sea level rise. Global climate change has already vastly impacted the climate of Bangladesh, as is described in this book. The climate of Bangladesh is heating up and is also changing rapidly because of developments in the rural and urban landscapes. It is unclear if and when this could lead to massive climate change–related migration because of failed crops and failed governance. The designs of embankments, roads, and drainage schemes have already been altered by the government and various agencies. But are these alterations enough in the light of the developments that have occurred rapidly within the last few years? Should not these adaptations be thoroughly evaluated in the light of these new developments?</p