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Bangladesh is known as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The irony is that Bangladesh is only responsible for 0.56 per cent of global carbon emissions. According to the Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) for 2021, Bangladesh is the seventh most vulnerable country globally, and at the same time, Dhaka is known as the world's most polluted city.Also, with increasing population and economic growth, greenhouse gas emissions will increase significantly. So, the government of Bangladesh is determined to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21.8% by 2030.

Growing climate change and its effects can be called national security issues for Bangladesh. Rising sea levels, increasing salinity in coastal areas, cyclones and floods, and disruption in the monsoon cycle result from global warming. The country faces medium- or small-scale floods, cyclones, and landslides every year. Rising sea levels threaten one-third of the country's population, and it has been predicted long ago that the sea level will rise up to 0.30 meters by 2050, which will displace 9,00,000 people and submerge the southern part of the country.

Due to frequent cyclones and coastal floods, salinity is increasing in the coastal areas, hampering crop production, which could cause large-scale food security issues. Salinity is posing a threat to ten million people in coastal communities. Salt contamination also creates severe health issues like cardiovascular diseases. According to Bangladesh's Soil Resources Development Institute, 8.3 million hectares of land were affected by encroaching seawater in 1973. The number extended to over 105.6 million hectares by 2009. Increasing salinity in coastal areas is now a considerable threat to agriculture. With this, the unavailability of fresh drinking water is a new climate crisis for the state.Due to global warming issues, Bangladesh has suffered 185 extreme climate disasters and faced economic losses worth 3.72 billion from 2000 to 2019.

Bangladesh faced an extreme heat wave this year, like other South Asian parts. The state faced the highest temperature, over 40 degrees Celsius, which affects human health, agriculture, and food security. Global warming is altering the traditional weather patterns and disrupting the monsoon cycles in Bangladesh. The lengthy absence of rain severely threatens the country's traditional agriculture system. Climate change has enormous implications for the Bangladeshi economy; on average, tropical cyclones cost about 1 billion dollars annually, and increasing global warming would bring more economic challenges for the country. By 2050, one-third of the agricultural GDP could be lost, and 13 million people could become internal climate migrants. In the case of severe flooding, GDP could fall by as much as 9 percent.

The government of Bangladesh has raised climate concerns on various multilateral platforms. Still, more is needed, and the country needs safety measures, which could involve adopting cutting-edge technologies to mitigate climate disasters. The government has announced the development of a knowledge-based economy and has focused on online empowerment, which could reduce carbon emissions. The country is also transforming its economic structure, but challenges remain in various sectors.

We know that the government of Bangladesh has adopted various climate policies like the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (MSPP), and tech-based initiatives like 'Digital Bangladesh' and the Smart Bangladesh policy to combat climate change. Now, the question is,Are these policies sufficient?And how adopting technology will help Bangladesh combat climate change-related challenges?

To this day, the state still lacks adequate technology to mitigate climate change-related risks. Bangladesh continues to rely on the United Nations and regional organizations for early warning data. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has prioritized the UN's "Early Warnings for All" initiative, with the World Meteorological Organization leading the effort. The initiative aims to ensure that early warning systems protect every person on Earth within five years.

In addition to climate action and policy, Bangladesh must adopt advanced technologies like remote sensing satellite technology. The benefit of a remote sensing satellite is that it can provide real-time data and early warnings, which can helpto reduce damage and losses. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to detect, monitor, and forecast climate events. For example, it can help predict collective behaviour in emergencies, allowing for better planning. Communication technologies play a crucial role in combating climate change and natural disasters. Simple cell broadcasting or location-based SMS can be used in extreme calamities. The government can identify victims based on their geo-locations. Another emerging technology would be the "Internet of Things," which can enhance the early warning system through live monitoring or SMS alerts.

Satellites help track and measure CFC emissions and their effects on the environment. Therefore, the government has invested in the second satellite, 'Bangabandhu-2,' a remote sensing satellite. Remote sensing satellites will help mitigate climate challenges. Besides the early warning system, the country plans to adopt AI-based predictive modelling to assess disaster losses and mitigation needs. The Bangladeshi government has already used communication technologies to address climate-related extremes. It is undeniable that digital platforms play a significant role in fostering climate awareness and education,but Bangladesh needs more technology to combat climate change. Though the government is working to build tech-based resilience, adapting technologies is still challenging for the country. Access to internet communication or modern technologies like Android is still not within everyone's budget.Another worrisome fact is that the government is adopting 5G to enhance speedy communication services. It could help the country tackle disasters and post-disaster management. Still, at the same time, the adverse effects of non-ionizing radiations from 5G and technologies on the environment(energy consumption, e-waste, impacts on wildlife, cancer, cellular stress, genetic damage, reproductive changes and deficits, and neurological disorders) are not ignorable.

Technologies are crucial for any country to counter climate threats. Embracing technology is necessary for Bangladesh, and the government can reduce the danger of climate challenges and safeguard the nation through investments in science, technology, and innovation. Bangladesh should focus on using more renewable and green energy, which will help the country reduce carbon emissions. The state also needs climate-friendly economic infrastructure, decarbonization policies, e-waste management, and a circular economy.

Most. Farjana Sharmin is a Fellow, Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) and a PhD student, South Asian University, New Delhi

This article was originally published on The Daily Asian Age.
Views in this article are author’s own and do not necessarily reflect CGS policy.