Impacts of Sea Level Rise on the Coastal Zone of Bangladesh Masters thesis of Md. Golam Mahabub Sarwar
[email protected] ☼ Supervisor Patrik Wallman, Ph D
[email protected] Lund University International Masters Programme in Environmental Science L U M E S Lund University, Sweden 2 1 N O V E M B E R 2005 ABSTRACT Impacts of sea level rise on Bangladesh were assessed using secondary sources. The study revealed that a one meter sea level rise will affect the vast coastal area and flood plain zone of Bangladesh. Both livelihood options of coastal communities and the natural environment of the coastal zone will be affected by the anticipated sea level rise. It will also affect national and food security of the country. The Sundarbans, the most important ecosystem of the country will be totally lost with one metre rise in sea level. Mitigation and adaptation are two options to minimize the impacts. A combined effort of Bangladesh Government, Bangladesh’s people and International communities is emerge need to survive. Key words: Sea level rise, Bangladesh, coastal zone, impacts, adaptation 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 4 1.1 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................................4 1.2 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION........................................................................................................................................4 1.3 LINKING TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................................5