Assignment
Topic: Climate Change
Course: ENV107
Section: 46
Semester: Fall 2025
Submitted to:
Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman Khan (ARK)
Submitted by:
Md. Tazbir Hossain (2523708630)
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Contents
Abstract ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 2
Weather, Climate, and Climate Regulation ........................................................................... 3
Causes of Climate Change ....................................................................................................... 4
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming ....................................................................... 5
Evidence of Climate Change ................................................................................................... 6
Global Effects of Climate Change .......................................................................................... 7
Climate Change in Bangladesh ............................................................................................... 8
Current Global Trends .......................................................................................................... 10
Mitigation Strategies ...............................................................................................................11
Adaptation Strategies ............................................................................................................ 12
Recommendations .................................................................................................................. 13
Conclusion............................................................................................................................... 14
References ................................................................................................................................ 15
Abstract
Climate change presently ranks among the biggest challenges facing the entire world,
from ecosystems to human societies and economies. Although Earth's climate has
changed naturally over the millions of years, the current unprecedented rate of warming
in the past century has been predominantly caused by human activities: burning of fossil
fuels, deforestation, industrialization, and change in land use have strengthened the
greenhouse effect, consequently leading to a rise in global temperatures, melting of ice,
sea-level rise, and increased frequency of extreme weather conditions.
The report discusses the mechanisms of climate change; differentiates between short-
term weather and long-term climate; examines natural and human-induced causes, as
well as current global impacts. The focus will be on Bangladesh, one of the most
vulnerable countries, given its low-lying geography, dense population, and climate-
sensitive livelihoods. Key trends in greenhouse gas concentrations, increased frequency
of extreme events, mitigation strategies to reduce emissions, and adaptation to
strengthen resilience are discussed. Finally, recommendations to build a climate-
resilient future are presented, stressing the immediate requirement for consolidated
action at the local, national, and international levels.
1
Introduction
Climate change simply refers to the long-term alteration in general weather conditions
or climate. Although the climate of Earth has gone through natural changes on occasions
over millions of years, recent changes are pretty fast, mainly due to human activities
like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrialization, and intensive agriculture.
These activities have increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere,
driving global temperatures higher and disrupting weather patterns worldwide.
Impacts of climate change are widespread. Ecosystems are being disrupted by the
movement and extinction of species, and vital natural functions would become
increasingly unpredictable, such as rainfall and river flows. Heat stress, the spread of
vector-borne diseases, and food insecurity brought about by disrupted agriculture pose
a threat to human health. It causes losses in many economies due to destroyed
infrastructure, reduced crop yields, and low labor productivity. Even social and political
stability can be affected when communities experience displacement and are forced to
compete for limited resources.
The very low-lying land, extremely high population density, and lifestyles dependent on
climate-sensitive resources make Bangladesh one of the most climate-vulnerable
countries in the world. Increased sea levels, cyclones, flooding, and salinity intrusion
already disrupt millions of lives, affecting food, water, and shelter.
The report discussed the causes and effects of climate change along with the current
trends in Bangladesh, mitigation strategies, and adaptation strategies, and also put
forward recommendations regarding resilience building. By analyzing these aspects, the
report highlights the urgent need for coordinated action to address climate change and
protect both people and ecosystems.
2
Weather, Climate, and Climate Regulation
They are often misguided; weather and climate are terms referring to extremely different
phenomena: The day-to-day atmospheric conditions a person experiences, including the
temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity, which are referred to as weather. Climate, however,
refers to the long-term averages of these weather parameters, typically for periods greater than
30 years. Understanding the difference between both concepts is very critical, because from this
perspective, short-term variations in weather make no big difference when it has to deal with
long-term changes in climate.
The Earth's climate is regulated by a variety of complex systems interacting through dynamic
means. These include solar radiation, atmospheric circulation, ocean currents, and the physical
properties of land and water, all of which control the patterns of climate. Atmospheric
circulation generates specific cells, including the Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells, which in turn
determine the prevailing wind and pressure patterns in the world. Oceans, too, are equally
important as they distribute heat and control temperature, moisture, and storms.
The disruption of these systems, through either natural causes or human interference, is bound
to bring enormous changes to climate patterns. The historical climate on Earth has always been
influenced by natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions, El Niño and La Niña cycles, or long-
term orbital changes otherwise referred to as Milankovitch cycles. However, these cannot solely
account for the rapid rise in temperatures and extreme weather being witnessed today, mainly
caused by human activities and an enhanced greenhouse effect.
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Causes of Climate Change
Climate change is caused both naturally and by human activities, but the current rapid
temperature rise is brought about basically by human activities.
Natural Causes::
Natural processes force variability in Earth's climate on timescales of thousands to millions of
years and are thus important to understanding past climate but are not the cause of present-day
warming. Volcanic eruptions spew ash and sulfur into the air, which reflects sunlight and cools
the planet. Solar activity follows an eleven-year cycle with some longerterm variation in the
amount of energy reaching Earth. Ocean-atmosphere interactions also change on interannual to
decadal timescales, as around El Niño and La Niña events, typically leading to short-term
changes in rainfall and temperature in some parts of the world. Milankovitch cycles are long-
term variations in Earth's orbital and axial geometry that drive glacial and interglacial patterns.
These natural causes are, however, too slow or too small individually to account for the rapid
warming of the twentieth century.
Human-Induced Causes:
Human activities are now the dominant drivers of climate change. Burning fossil fuels for
electricity, transportation, and industry releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, and
deforestation reduces natural carbon absorption. Agriculture emits methane and nitrous oxide
from livestock and fertilizers, while industrial processes release additional greenhouse gases.
Rapid urbanization further increases energy demand and heat. These activities enhance the
natural greenhouse effect, trapping more heat in the atmosphere and speeding up global
warming; the altered weather patterns promote extreme climate events around the world.
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The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
The greenhouse effect is a natural process by means of which our planet remains warm enough
to support life. The so-called greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide,
methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapour heat up the earth as they reflect heat coming from the
sun, preventing it from moving back into space. This is what keeps Earth's average temperature
comfortable, at about 15°C-a condition suitable for ecosystems to thrive and humans to survive.
Without the greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would drop to –18°C, and life as
we know it would not be possible.
However, human activities have increased this natural process. The burning of fossil fuels,
deforestation, and industrial and intensive agricultural activities have incredibly increased the
levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In 2023, carbon dioxide levels reached over 419
ppm-the highest in millions of years (NASA, 2023). This enhanced greenhouse effect now alters
global temperature patterns, rainfall cycles, and disrupts climate systems around the world. The
results are faster warming, increased frequency of heat waves, changing weather patterns, and
extreme events like floods and droughts. The greenhouse effect, thus, is crucial to understand
and address in managing climate change and protecting both human and natural systems.
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Evidence of Climate Change
There is overwhelming evidence that Earth’s climate is unequivocally warming, as
demonstrated by multiple lines of evidence. The first most obvious evidence is the rising global
temperature. Presently, the average global temperature is about 1.2°C above the pre-industrial
temperature, while the past eight years have been the hottest on record. Such steady heating is
connected not just with greenhouse gas emissions but also with a shift in atmospheric and
oceanic circulation, which shows the wide extent to which this is occurring.
The second important parameter is the melting of ice in general. While Greenland and Antarctic
ice sheets are melting at accelerating rates, most glaciers are in retreat, including those of the
Himalayas. Arctic sea ice has dramatically shrunk disrupting regional ecosystems and global
weather patterns. These changes put in jeopardy freshwater supplies for millions of people and
heighten the risk of natural disasters.
Global sea levels rose by 20–25 cm since 1900 because of thermal expansion of seawater and
ice melt, which increase coastal flooding and erosion risks. Extreme weather events within the
cyclones, heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and droughts are increasingly occurring with much
intensity, thus affecting human and natural systems.
Ecosystems are responding, too. Coral reefs are bleaching on a massive scale, species are
shifting their ranges toward the cool poles, and the timing of seasonal growth cycles is
changing, which in turn is altering agricultural productivity. These patterns, taken altogether,
give strong, observable evidence that global warming is not only real but intensifying, driven
largely by human activities, and it demands immediate, coordinated global action.
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Global Effects of Climate Change
Climate change has several ramifications in regard to the environment, society, and the
economy-environmental, social, and economic challenges that are deeply intertwined and with
far-reaching implications.
Environmental Impacts: Increased temperatures, shifts in rainfall, and other extreme weather
events disrupt natural hydrologic cycles, leading to increased instances of drought and flood.
Desertification is expanding in many areas, resulting in decreased fertile land for ecosystems.
Loss of biodiversity reduces ecosystem stability and creates negative impacts on important
ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration. Oceans
are becoming increasingly acidic due to increased carbon dioxide levels, which impacts marine
life, coral reefs, and fisheries. Forests are increasingly susceptible to wildfires that destroy
habitats and release high amounts of greenhouse gases, further exacerbating climate change.
Social Impacts: Communities are increasingly vulnerable to the risks of climate change. The
mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria can spread faster in warmer weather. Food
and water security are also at risk with erratic yields of crops and scarcity or contamination of
freshwater resources. In various cases of climate disasters, the worst-affected populations are
mostly women, children, and the elderly. High sea levels and floods displace communities; this
increases climate-induced migration, which puts pressure on social infrastructure.
Economic Impact: The economic impact of climate change is quite significant. Storm and flood
damages include infrastructures and homes, agriculture and fisheries are impaired in their
productivity, while tourism dwindles in vulnerable areas. Labor productivity decreases with
extreme heat, while health costs increase due to outbreaks of various diseases and heat-related
illnesses.
In other words, climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a social and economic
one, which requires immediate and concerted action from the entire world.
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Climate Change in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is globally regarded as one of the most climate-vulnerable countries because of its
combination of geographical, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The country is low-
lying, comprising vast deltaic plains formed by the confluence of major rivers including the
Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. This alone has made it very prone to flooding, storm
surges, and sea-level rise. These coupled with extremely high population densities and a large
proportion of the populace dependent on agriculture and other climate-sensitive livelihoods
increase serious risks in the country against even small climatic changes.
One of the most immediate perils comes from the rise in sea levels. It is projected that a one-
meter rise in sea levels might submerge sizeable areas of Bangladesh and affect millions of its
inhabitants. In coastal districts, the intrusion of salinity into soils and freshwater systems is
already an emerging problem, which reduces the yield of cultivable lands and contaminates
drinking water reserves. This is a serious threat to food and water security among the local
population, with long-term implications for health and nutrition.
Tropical cyclones are becoming more intense due to rising sea-surface temperatures. Cyclones
Sidr in 2007, Aila in 2009, Bulbul in 2019, and Amphan in 2020 have destroyed homes, crops,
and freshwater sources and caused tremendous loss of life. The frequency and intensity of these
storms are expected to rise, placing additional strain on disaster response systems and
infrastructure.
Seasonal flooding and erosion of the riverbanks also displace many people en masse. Flash
floods every year sweep away homes, agricultural land, and community infrastructure
belonging to thousands of people in the flood-prone haor areas. Secondly, unpredictable
temperatures and rainfall, like higher pre-monsoon temperatures, delayed or erratic monsoons,
and escalating extreme heatwaves and heavy rainfall, complicate the traditional farming
calendars and water resource management.
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The Sundarbans mangrove forest is one of the most important ecosystems that provides natural
protection from storms and supports biodiversity. It faces serious threat from rising sea levels
and increasing salinity. Loss of mangroves would not only reduce coastal resiliency but also
disrupts habitats for endangered species, including the Bengal tiger and many migratory birds.
Bangladesh has responded with national and community-level adaptation actions, ranging from
the construction of cyclone shelters and enhancing early warning systems to the dissemination
of salinity- and flood-tolerant crops and the rehabilitation of mangroves along the most
vulnerable coasts. Climate-resilient agricultural practices are being developed by BRRI, BARC,
and BFRI, among others, and there are disaster preparedness and resilience initiatives in local
communities. Yet, despite these efforts, the scale of the challenge remains huge. Immediate,
sustained, multi-sectoral action must be taken to protect life, livelihoods, and ecosystems amidst
a growing tide of climate-related hazards. It will take coherent policies, investment in resilient
infrastructure, and incorporation of climate risk into development planning to truly prepare
Bangladesh for a climate-altered future.
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Current Global Trends
• Greenhouse Gases on the Rise: CO₂ and methane are growing in the atmosphere
worldwide, impelled by uses of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and
agriculture. These gases trap heat and intensify global warming.
• Record-Breaking Temperatures: The past decade has proved to be the warmest in
recorded history, with global temperatures about 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Melting Ice and Rising Seas: Accelerated melting of glaciers, Arctic sea ice decline, and
thermal expansion of oceans contribute to higher sea levels, increasing the risk of
flooding across the world.
• Extreme weather: Storms, heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires have increased by
about 40% now compared to 20 years ago (IPCC 2022).
• The impacts are not uniform: the vulnerable nations, notably small islands and deltaic
regions like Bangladesh, are at greater risks with recurrent floods, stronger cyclones,
and disruption in agriculture.
• Gradual Shift to Renewable Energy Sources: Adoption of solar, wind, and hydropower
is growing, but at a rate too slow to offset worldwide emissions.
• Shifts in Ecosystems: Increase in temperature and change in rainfall patterns are
affecting ecosystems, causing loss in biodiversity and a shift in agricultural cycles.
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Mitigation Strategies
Mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing the pace of global
warming. Key strategies include:
1. Renewable Energy: Expanding the use of solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal
energy helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels while providing sustainable electricity.
2. Energy Efficiency: Upgrading appliances, implementing smart grids, and improving
building designs lower energy consumption and reduce emissions.
3. Sustainable Transport: Promoting electric vehicles, improving public transport systems,
and encouraging cycling and walking reduces carbon emissions from transportation.
4. Forestation: Large-scale tree-planting initiatives, afforestation, reforestation, and urban
greening programs capture carbon and restore ecosystems.
5. Waste Management & Circular Economy: Recycling, composting, and valorization of
materials reduce landfill emissions and promote resource efficiency.
6. Low-Carbon Industry: Cleaner production techniques, energy-efficient machinery, and
carbon capture technologies help industries reduce their carbon footprint.
7. Behavioral Change: Encouraging individuals and communities to adopt energy-saving
habits, reduce waste, and support green initiatives complements technological solutions.
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Adaptation Strategies
Adaptation decreases vulnerability to climate-related hazards and enhances resilience.
Economy-wide approaches include the following:
1. Resilient Infrastructure: Elevated homes, flood-resistant buildings, and strong roads.
2. Preparedness for Cyclones: Early warning systems, shelters, and evacuation plans.
3. Coastal Protection: Mangrove restoration, embankments, and polders.
4. Resilient Agriculture: Crops tolerant to salinity and flood, improved irrigation
techniques, rainwater harvesting.
5. Ecosystem Management: This includes river dredging, wetland protection, and
sustainable forestry.
6. Community Support: Diversified livelihoods and community-based adaptation
programs.
7. Innovation & Research: Climate-smart technologies from BRRI, BARC, and BFRI
initiatives.
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Recommendations
Policy Recommendations:
1. Strengthen climate governance and enforcement.
2. Integrate climate-related risks into long-term national planning.
3. Invest more in renewable energy.
4. Expand climate finance access for vulnerable communities.
5. Promote climate-smart agriculture.
Local & Institutional Recommendations:
1. Improve disaster education and community awareness.
2. Encourage energy-efficient practices.
3. Invest in green infrastructure.
4. Improve early warning systems for extreme weather phenomena.
International Recommendations:
1. Advocate for Climate Justice and Loss-and-Damage Funds
2. Encourage global cooperation in technology transfer.
3. Ensure that developed countries achieve their emission-reduction pledges.
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Conclusion
Climate change is one of the most important challenges now facing humanity, with very wide-
ranging consequences for the environment, society, and economies across the globe. Natural
processes, like volcanic activity, solar cycles, and ocean-atmosphere interaction, have driven
climate variability throughout Earth's history. However, the unprecedented rate of warming
seen in recent decades can be ascribed primarily to human activities. The burning of fossil
fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and unsustainable agricultural practices have
radically increased atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, thus enhancing the natural
greenhouse effect and disrupting global climate patterns.
Accordingly, because of its low-lying vast land area, dense population, and dependence on
climate-sensitive livelihoods, Bangladesh has been highly susceptible to these changes. The
risks prevailing over the country include rising sea levels, intense cyclones, salinity intrusion
in coastal farmlands, seasonal flooding, riverbank erosion, and rainfall and temperature
pattern shift. These hazards not only threaten ecosystems but have effects on human health,
food security, and socio-economic stability, most especially within the circles of poor and
vulnerable groups.
Despite these realities, however, there are paths toward resiliency. Coordinated mitigation and
adaptation strategies—transitioning to renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, better
infrastructure, early warning systems, and community-based adaptation programs—would go
a long way toward reducing vulnerability and enhancing preparedness. Strong policy
frameworks, investment in sustainable technologies, and international cooperation are needed
to undergird these efforts.
Conclusion: Urgent, multidimensional action is necessary to limit further climatic impacts,
protect the vulnerable population, and ensure sustainable development. Bangladesh and the
world can come together on the path of building a climate-resilient future that protects both
people and the environment through the amalgamation of science-driven policies and
technological innovation with community engagement.
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References
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2021). AR6 climate change 2021: The physical
science basis. [Link]
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2022). Impacts, adaptation, and
vulnerability. [Link]
NASA. (2023). Global climate change: Vital signs of the planet. National Aeronautics and
Space Administration. [Link]
Rahman, M. M., et al. (2020). Climate change and its impacts in Bangladesh. Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment, 192(12), 789. [Link]
United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). Emissions gap report
2023. [Link]
World Health Organization. (2021). Climate change and health. [Link]
room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-and-health
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