ABSTRACT
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate risks, both from existing variability and future climate change. From annual flooding of all types to a lack of water resources during the dry season, from frequent coastal cyclones and storm surges to changing groundwater aquifer conditions, the importance of adapting to these risks to maintain economic growth and reduce poverty is clear. Households have for a long time needed to adapt to these dynamic conditions to maintain their livelihoods. The nature of these adaptations and the determinants of success depend on the availability of assets, labour, skills, education, and social capital. The relative severity of disasters has decreased substantially since the 1970s, however, as a result of improved macro-economic management, increased resilience of the poor and significant progress in disaster management. Substantial public investment in protective infrastructure (e.g. cyclone shelters, embankments) and early warning and preparedness systems have played a critical role in minimizing these impacts. More investments are still required. In the long list of potential impacts from climate change, the risks to the agriculture sector stand out as among the most important.
