Climate Change, Flood, Food Security and Human Health: Cross-Cutting Issues in Bangladesh

Abstract

Climate change will affect all aspects of hydrological cycle. Frequent and severe flood, cyclone and drought are already apparent in all over the world. Climate change impact on natural disasters and agricultural system are the most critical, since these two aspects are intimately associated with life, livelihood and food security of both rural and urban community. Frequent climate induced disasters, like floods, cyclone, storm surges, disruption of agricultural system and shortage of food for growing population would have decisive impact on human health. Bangladesh, which is one of the most vulnerable countries due to climate change, suffers from floods almost every year. However, 70 % of its population depends on agriculture and lives at the risk of flood. Food security and health of this large segment of population are critical issues of development in present climate change context. To face these critical issues climate change, flood, food security and human health are the four associated vital issues that should be dealt together. This paper is an approach to address these four issues with an interconnected dimension. It would help to formulate comprehensive policy strategies and leading action plans for climate change adaptation.