EXPLORE THE CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT SCENARIO OF URBAN CITIES IN BANGLADESH: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH

Abstract

Bangladesh is one of the vulnerable countries which is mostly exposed to the influences of climate change and along with urban areas being particularly at-risk severity. This paper explores the climate change effect scenario of lower and middle-income (LMIC) urban cities in Bangladesh using a qualitative approach. The study aims to categorize the current and potential forthcoming effects of climate change on LMIC urban cities in Bangladesh, as well as the coping and adaptation approaches adopted by the municipal communities. This study was conducted in three LMIC urban cities of Bangladesh, namely Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna, using semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with local government officials, community leaders and key representatives from relevant NGOs. The results of the study show that LMIC urban municipalities in Bangladesh are already experiencing various influences of natural calamities and hazards, such as cyclone, heavy rainfall, flooding, waterlogging, heatwaves, cold wave and sea-level rise high & low tide etc. These include the expansion of early warning systems, flood control measures, and the promotion of sustainable urban development practices. The study also exposes that local communities have developed various coping and adaptation strategies, including the construction of flood-resistant structures, water management systems, and awareness-raising campaigns on climate change. Overall, the study highlights on the urgent requirement for policymakers, urban planners, and others key stakeholders to take proactive procedures to address the impacts of climate change on LMIC urban cities in Bangladesh. The study underscores the importance of accepting a multi-stakeholder approach that contains the active participation of all relevant stakeholders in developing and executing effective adaptation tactics. The findings of this study have important suggestions for policy and practice in Bangladesh and other LMIC countries. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive and integrated approaches to climate change adaptation in LMIC urban cities, which should take into account the social, economic, and political context of these areas. The study also emphasizes the importance of community-based and participatory methods to climate change adaptation, which can increase the resilience and adaptive capacity of urban local communities.