How does peri-urbanization trigger climate change vulnerabilities? An investigation of the dhaka megacity in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper aims to scrutinize in what way peri-urbanization triggers climate change vulnerabilities. By using spatial analysis techniques, the study undertakes the following tasks. First, the study demarcates Dhaka’s—the capital of Bangladesh—peri-urban growth pattern that took place over the last 24-year period (1992–2016). Afterwards, it determines the conformity of ongoing peri-urban practices with Dhaka’s stipulated planning documents. Then, it identifies Dhaka’s specific vulnerabilities to climate change impacts—i.e., flood, and groundwater table depletion. Lastly, it maps out the socioeconomic profile of the climate change victim groups from Dhaka. The findings of the study reveal that: (a) Dhaka lacks adequate development planning, monitoring, and control mechanisms that lead to an increased and uncontrolled peri-urbanization; (b) Dhaka’s explicitly undefined peri-urban growth boundary is the primary factor in misguiding the growth pockets—that are the most vulnerable locations to climate change impacts, and; (c) Dhaka’s most vulnerable group to the increasing climate change impacts are the climate migrants, who have been repeatedly exposed to the climate change-triggered natural hazards. These study findings generate insights into peri-urbanization-triggered climate change vulnerabilities that aid urban policymakers, managers, and planners in their development policy, planning, monitoring and control practices.