BACKGROUND:
Bangladesh is one of the countries at
risk of
natural disasters due to
climate change. In particular, inhabitants of its riverine
islands (
char) confront ongoing climatic events that heighten their
vulnerability. This study aims to assess
social vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation
strategies to
climate change in the riverine island areas of
Bangladesh.
METHODS:
A mixed-
method approach incorporating qualitative and quantitative
procedures was used on data collected from 180 households of riverine
islands in Gaibandha,
Bangladesh. The
social vulnerability of riverine island
communities was assessed based on their adaptation capacity,
sensitivity, and exposure to climatic stressors.
RESULTS:
The findings show that
char dwellers'
vulnerability, impacts, and adaptation capability to
climate change vary significantly depending on their proximity to the mainland.
Social vulnerability factors such as geographical
location, fragile and low-grade
housing conditions,
illiteracy and displacement,
climate-sensitive
occupation and low-
income level, and so on caused to the in-height
vulnerability level of these particular areas. This study also displays that
climate change and its associated
hazards cause severe
life and livelihood concerns for almost all households. In this case, the riverine dwellers employed several adaptation
strategies to enhance their way of
life to the disaster brought on changing
climate. However, low
education facilities,
deficiency of useful information on
climate change, poor
infrastructure, and shortage of money are still the supreme hindrance to the sustainability of adaptation.
CONCLUSION:
The findings underscore the importance of evaluating the susceptibility of local areas to
climate change and emphasize the need for tailored local initiatives and
policies to reduce
vulnerability and enhance adaptability in
communities residing in
char households.