Fast-growing Bangladesh is getting richer but environmental issues are being left behind. It may be time to take a step back and look at what could and should be done to avert a potential catastrophe.

Bangladesh is one of the countries most exposed to climate change events. Almost 75% of its territory lies less than 10 meters above sea level, and more than 700 rivers run through its territory. Floods, drought, salinity, cyclones, sea-level rises, and more may become more common in the coming years.

At the same time, its 160 million inhabitants are starting to benefit from growth of over 6% a year in the last decade. Per capita energy consumption has almost doubled since 2000 and millions who never had access to power can now flip a switch for lights or plug in appliances to get electricity.

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About the author

Monzur Hossain is a senior research fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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