Water & Climate Change

Overview

The coastal belt of Bangladesh faces a collision between a fragile hydrological system and a rapidly changing climate. Rising seas, more frequent cyclones and reduced upstream river flows drive saltwater further inland, contaminating shallow aquifers and surface waters. Research shows that by 2020 about 37 % of arable seaside land was already affected by fluctuating soil salinity because storm surges and cyclones push seawater onto the land. About 1.02 million hectares – 70 % of the coastal arable land – now have salinity problems, undermining food security and reducing the quality of freshwater. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) notes that saltwater intrusion in low-lying deltas is increasing and rising seas and excessive groundwater pumping allow seawater to invade coastal aquifers. During the dry season, low river flows allow seawater to push inland through rivers and canals, causing salinization of groundwater and soils that persist until the rains. These processes threaten the drinking water supply for millions of people. Addressing climate change therefore means understanding its hydro-social impacts and building resilience across the water sector.

Sub-themes

1. Salinity intrusion, sea-level rise and coastal flooding

Assess hydro-geological data on how sea-level rise, upstream diversion and storm surges drive salinity intrusion, with emphasis on southwestern districts such as Khulna and Satkhira. Discuss nature-based solutions (e.g., mangrove restoration) and engineering measures (embankment rehabilitation, controlled flushing) to buffer against saltwater.

2. Cyclones, extreme events and water security

Evaluate the linkage between cyclone-induced floods and prolonged salinization. Discuss early-warning systems, resilient water supply infrastructure (e.g., elevated rainwater tanks, cyclone-resistant water points) and integration of disaster risk reduction into water planning.

3. Climate-adaptive water infrastructure and technology

Explore innovations such as community-managed rainwater harvesting, solar-powered desalination and managed aquifer recharge. Recognize that technological fixes must be coupled with community stewardship and monitoring to ensure long-term sustainability.

4. Integrated climate and water policy

Examine how national policies – such as the National Water Policy and Delta Plan 2100 – can internalize climate projections and ensure equitable allocation of resources. Highlight the need for cross-sector coordination between water, agriculture, disaster management and climate ministries.