Towns and cities in Bangladesh and around the world are increasingly at the frontline of climate change. More than half of the world’s population now live in urban areas, and this growing trend will only continue. According to the United Nations World Urbanisation Prospects, Bangladesh is expected to become 50% urban by approximately 2040 and many of its cities are growing rapidly -- yet lack the necessary infrastructure or services to support ever-larger populations.
Cities will be affected by climate-related shocks and stresses. These include frequent and/or intense extreme events, slow rises in temperature, changes in rainfall, disruptions further afield to water catchments or supply chains. These will affect the viability of city economies, as well as the health and well-being of urban residents. Rising temperatures can cause illness (particularly among the elderly) or lost productivity (particularly among outdoor workers), while flooding and waterlogging can hasten the spread of communicable diseases. In addition, particular events such as floods and storms can disrupt economic activities with significant knock-on effects for the city as a whole.
The need to protect cities and towns from climate change
Cities provide a range of essential services to individuals and the nation and are crucial to the growth of developing countries like Bangladesh. The concentration of different types of industries and services provide employment opportunities, specialised education and a range of activities and lifestyles. The energy and synergies contained in cities make them ripe for creative associations and partnerships to develop. They are also sites of cultural heritage such as the rich architectural treasures of Old Dhaka. All of these functions are at risk as a result of climate change -- and we cannot afford for cities to fail.
Working together across all sectors to tackle climate change
A series of courses organised by the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) in Dhaka have given city officials from Bangladesh and globally the knowledge and skills to understand the risks of climate change and build strategies to address this. More than 100 individuals have completed this training over the last five years, and now share information about good practices through an emerging network of professionals working in this sector. This sort of regional and global partnership is essential for meeting the challenges of tomorrow and ultimately lead to better decision making on urban issues.
Local government: Many of the actions that reduce climate risk are at the hands of local government authorities. The provision of basic services (including drainage) and land-use planning that support access to “safe” land for all urban residents (including the poorest) fall within the local government’s jurisdiction. Therefore, local and municipal authorities will require greater autonomy, matched with stronger technical and financial abilities.
City infrastructure: Not only protective infrastructure such as dykes and sea walls, but also critical service infrastructure such as electricity and water networks will need to be provided or strengthened in order to maintain service provision in changing conditions. These will not only need to be expanded to support growing populations, but also enhanced to cope with more challenging environmental situations -- for example through expanding the temperature range in which they can function effectively, or through providing protection from higher sea levels.
Citizens: These goals can only be accomplished if there is meaningful engagement of citizens and civil society groups to help set priorities and implement activities. A range of programmes around Asia have shown how local actions -- such as improving drainage or building sea walls -- can help to protect low-income communities. Beyond this, however, these activities provide a starting point around which urban residents and municipal governments can work together to address local developmental priorities and reduce climate-related risks.
Cities around the world have shown themselves to be incredibly resilient in the face of changing economic, environmental, and social conditions. The challenge climate change poses is substantial, but with appropriate planning, investment, and participation, urban centres should be able to become more rewarding and resilient homes for people.
David Dodman works on cities and climate change at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).