Climate change and sea level rise in Bangladesh, part II: Effects

Global climate is changing as a consequence of global warming clue to industrial, agricultural, and other human activities. The major effects of global warming are changes in the hydrological cycle and rise in sea level. Bangladesh is most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and sea level rise due to the low elevation of the land areas, the low gradient of the rivers, and exposure to the sea. It has been predicted by the application of a numerical model that there will be changes in the hydrodynamics of flow of the rivers in Bangladesh due to increase in river discharge and rise in sea level. As a result there will be significant effects on flooding, drainage, agriculture, tides, waves, and vital wetlands in Bangladesh. Probable critical effects on water resources planning and management are the focus of this article. Comprehensive management and sustainable use of resources will provide possible solutions to adapt to short‐ and long‐term changes.

Keywords:

• agriculture
• coastal zone
• drainage
• saltwater intrusion
• tides
• waves
• wetland