Bangladesh is high on the list of countries most vulnerable to climate change, ranking seventh on the 2021 World Climate Risk Index. Among the countries most affected by extreme climate conditions, it only contributes a small share of global emissions. Climate change-induced natural disasters plague Bangladesh due to its geographic location and flat, low-lying topography. High population density, poverty and reliance on climate-sensitive sectors for water and food security, particularly water resources, agriculture, fisheries and livestock, increase its vulnerability to climate change. Climate-induced disasters such as tropical cyclones and storm surges, monsoon floods, flash floods, droughts, sea-level rise, salinity intrusion, ocean acidification, etc. are exacerbating stresses on the country’s otherwise tremendous development trajectory, impeding socioeconomic progress and human well-being.

Bangladesh has been proactive and adept in climate change adaptation, mandated by the Constitution in
its 15th amendment, Article 18A 1 on the protection and improvement of the environment and
biodiversity. Over the decades, Bangladesh has advanced substantially in building adaptive capacity and
resilience through formulation and subsequent implementation of required policies and regulatory
frameworks for enabling climate resilient sustainable development. Landmark achievements such as
formulation of National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA, 2005), Bangladesh Climate Change
Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP, 2009), Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan,
climate inclusive updated National Environment Policy (2018), updated Standing Order on Disaster (2019) etc. have paved the way for effective climate change adaptation and has propelled Bangladesh as a pioneer in the global arena. Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has separate resolution for active involvement for climate actions. It joined the global declaration on ‘Planetary Emergency’ to counter climate adversities.