North South University
Department of Economics
Environmental Changes Analysis
Environmental Science
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What Is Environmental Science:
Environmental science is defined as a branch of biology focused on the study of
the relationships of the natural world and the relationships between organisms and their
environments. An example of environmental science is the study of the natural world
and how it relates to recycling and mulching.
Worldwide Environmental Change Throughout The Year 2000-2010:
1. Higher Temperatures
Earth’s temperatures in 2000 were the hottest ever recorded (source: NASA). Why does this
matter? Because a change of even 1 degree Fahrenheit – which may sound small – can upset
the delicate balance of ecosystems, and affect plants and animals that inhabit them.
2. Changing Landscapes and Wildlife Habitat
Rising temperatures and changing patterns of precipitation are changing where plants grow,
and in the case of our oceans, encouraging the proliferation of species that impact native ocean
habitat. As landscapes and habitats literally shift, wildlife must quickly adjust. Experts
predict that one-fourth of Earth’s species will be headed for extinction by 2050 if the warming
trend continues at its current rate.
3. Rising Seas
As ocean waters warm, they expand, causing sea-levels to rise. Melting glaciers compound the
problem by dumping even more fresh water into the oceans. Rising seas threaten to inundate
low-lying areas and islands, threaten dense coastal populations, erode shorelines, damage
property and destroy ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands that protect coasts against
storms.
4. Increased Risk of Storms, Droughts, and Floods
Climate change is intensifying drought, storms, and floods around the world. Where nature has
been destroyed by development, communities are at risk from these intensified climate patterns.
Scientists around the world are studying how nature can be a buffer for these intensified
weather patterns, and TNC is working with leaders and communities to implement solutions that
make a difference for nature and people.
5. Communities at Risk
In the U.S. alone, half of its residents live within 50 miles of the coast. Worldwide, approximately
100 million people live within three feet of sea level. Sea level rise associated with climate
change could displace tens of millions of people in low-lying areas – especially in developing
countries. Inhabitants of some small island countries that rest barely above the existing sea
level are already abandoning their islands, some of the world’s first climate change refugees. In
fact, in May 2016, the residents of Isle de Jean Charles were given $48 million to move – the
first U.S.-based climate refugees.
6. Economic Impact
The true economic impact of climate change is hard to predict. But it’s safe to say that many key
economic sectors – from fishing to energy to water utilities – will feel long-term impacts of
climate change. From warming seas, which encourage proliferation of non-native species that
impact fishing industries, to rising temperatures, which impact energy usage around the world,
our shifting global climate will force many industries to move quickly to adapt to change. Even
recreation and tourism industries are weather-dependent – with many planning based on
historic weather patterns, which climate change will disrupt. As we move into an era in which
climate change impacts are all around us, adapting to these changes quickly will be key for all
sectors of the global economy.
Environmental Change Throughout The Year 2000-2010 In Bangladesh:
1. Extreme Temperature and Drought:
North and North-Western regions of the country are suffering because of the Extreme Temperature
problem.
2. Floods / Flash Floods:
Almost 80% of the total area of the country is prone to flooding.
Cyclones and Storm Surges:
South and South-eastern Parts of the country were hit by Tropical Cyclones during the last few
years.
3. Sea Level Rise:
If the sea level rise –
• Low-lying non-embankment coastal area may be completely inundated.
• It will increase the risk of coastal salinity.
• Scarcity of saline free drinking water will increase highly
4. Agriculture and Fisheries:
As already mentioned earlier, the economy of Bangladesh is based on Agriculture mainly, with
two thirds of the population engaged (directly or indirectly) on Agricultural activities; although the
country is trying move towards industrialization slowly during the last one and a half decade
almost. So, the overall impact of Climate Change on Agricultural production in Bangladesh
would be wide spread and devastating for the country’s economy.
- Fisheries:
• Death rate of shrimp’s fingerlings will increase if the water temperature is more than
32°C (CEGIS).
• Diseases of fish may increase.
• Carps culture may reduce due to saline water intrusion in the ponds and open water
bodies.
• Production of sweet water fish will shrink and extinct if the sea level rise.
5. Crop production & food security:
Rainfall patterns are changed due to climate change – crops yields are expected to drop
significantly. Crop production will decrease 30% in 2100. Production of rice & wheat will reduce
8.8%, and 32% within 2050 respectively.
6. Salinity:
There are 13% areas are salinity at Bagerhat, Khulna & Sathkhira, the southwestern coastal
districts of Bangladesh at present which will increase 16% in 2050 and 18% in 2100.
7. Coral Bleaching Corals:
vulnerable to thermal stress. If the sea surface temperature increases 1-3° C then corals
bleaching will occur frequently.
8. Mangrove Forest:
About 75% area of mangrove forest, Sundarban (60007 Sq. km) will submerse if the sea level
will increase 45 cm. If the sea level rise 1 m then the islands of Bay of Bengal and whole
Sundarban will destroy including its fauna & flora.
9. Climate Refugee or Migration:
In Bangladesh every year, rivers engulf enormous agriculture fields and homesteads, makes the
peoples homeless. Those who have no way to live in the locality, migrate to urban areas and
live in slum with unhygienic conditions.