Using Your Hite (2021) Textbook, Weekly Media Presentations ✓ Solved

Using your Hite (2021) textbook, weekly media presentations

Using a developing country from your Week 6 or Week 10 assignment papers, describe at least two climate change related issues (poverty, food insecurity, environmental pollution, population etc.) facing your selected country.

If you had the resources, how would you go about resolving these two issues in that nation? Be specific.

Paper For Above Instructions

Climate change poses significant challenges to countries across the globe, particularly in developing nations. One such country facing severe implications from climate change is Bangladesh. This South Asian nation grapples with numerous climate-related issues, two of which are flooding and food insecurity. The socio-economic structure of Bangladesh makes it particularly vulnerable to these problems due to its geographical location, high population density, and reliance on agriculture.

Firstly, flooding is a recurring problem in Bangladesh, exacerbated by climate change. The country is crisscrossed by multiple rivers which overflow due to increased rainfall, leading to acute flooding. According to the World Bank (2020), it is estimated that climate change could displace over 13 million people in Bangladesh by 2050 due to rising sea levels and increased flooding. The economic repercussions are considerable, impacting infrastructure, housing, and livelihoods, particularly for those in rural areas dependent on agriculture. To mitigate flooding, infrastructural investments and policy reforms are necessary. This would include building resilient infrastructure such as flood barriers and investing in more robust drainage systems. Increasing community awareness on flood preparedness is also essential.

The second issue is food insecurity. Bangladesh, while predominantly agricultural, faces significant threats to food production caused by climate change. Altered rainfall patterns, salinity intrusion, and increased temperatures affect crop yields. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2021), over 30% of the population in Bangladesh is already food insecure. This issue is acute in rural areas where families rely heavily on subsistence farming. Implementing sustainable agricultural practices can help address this situation. For example, introducing climate-resilient crop varieties and improving irrigation infrastructure could increase resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, investing in education for farmers on sustainable farming practices can also bolster food security in the long term.

If I had the resources to resolve these two issues facing Bangladesh, I would pursue the following specific actions:

Resolving Flooding Issues

  • Invest in flood defense projects: Constructing embankments and levees can provide immediate protection against floodwaters.
  • Enhance disaster preparedness: Implementing community-based early warning systems can help local populations prepare for pending floods, thus mitigating damage.
  • Invest in sustainable urban drainage systems: This would help to regulate stormwater runoff and reduce the risks of flash flooding in urban settlements.
  • Promote reforestation and wetland restoration: These initiatives would enhance the natural capacity for water absorption, thereby reducing flooding.

Addressing Food Insecurity

  • Implement climate-smart agriculture programs: This approach would involve educating farmers about resilient crop options and sustainable farming practices.
  • Create seed banks: Establishing seed banks can ensure farmers have access to a variety of climate-resilient crops, preserving biodiversity.
  • Improve irrigation systems: Investment in modern irrigation techniques can increase productivity and reduce dependency on erratic rainfall.
  • Develop food distribution networks: Strengthening infrastructure for food distribution can ensure that food reaches areas that are historically food insecure.

In conclusion, Bangladesh's struggles with flooding and food insecurity exemplify the dire impacts of climate change on developing countries. By investing in infrastructure, enhancing sustainable agricultural practices, and promoting community preparedness programs, tangible solutions can help alleviate the stresses posed by these climate-related issues and secure a sustainable future for millions.

References

  • Food and Agriculture Organization. (2021). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. FAO. Link
  • World Bank. (2020). Bangladesh: Climate Change Impacts. World Bank. Link
  • IPCC. (2022). Climate Change and Land. IPCC. Link
  • United Nations. (2021). The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UN. Link
  • International Food Policy Research Institute. (2019). Global Food Policy Report. IFPRI. Link
  • Asian Development Bank. (2018). Climate Change in Bangladesh: A Preliminary Assessment. ADB. Link
  • Climate Vulnerable Forum. (2021). The State of Climate Change in the Vulnerable Countries. CVF. Link
  • Food Security Cluster. (2019). Understanding Food Security in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities. UN. Link
  • World Food Programme. (2020). Bangladesh: Vulnerability and Climate Change. WFP. Link
  • National Geographic. (2021). Land of Rivers: The Geography of Bangladesh. NatGeo. Link

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