Climate Change, Sea-level Rise and Development in Bangladesh

Hugh Brammer's 'Climate Change, Sea-level Rise and Development in Bangladesh' is his ninth work exploring the country's physical geography and agriculture, drawing on decades of firsthand observation. The opening chapters outline the nation's varied physiographic regions and its current climate, before chapter three examines the causes of global warming and its potential impacts, while also cautioning about the limitations of climate models for the Indian subcontinent. Through detailed analysis of fifty years of temperature and rainfall data, the book reveals that maximum temperatures have largely fallen while minimum temperatures have generally risen, and that rainfall and temperature variability have not increased. It also finds that annual rainfall is often lower during El Nino years and higher during La Nina years, and that the frequency of droughts, floods, and cyclones has not risen over the past half-century. The latter chapters focus on the seven near-coastal regions, showing how sea-level rise will impact each differently, and propose ten practical mitigation measures. The book concludes that Bangladesh is not powerless against future sea-level rise, and argues that addressing the country's immediate development needs should take priority. Written for government officials, donors, NGOs, academics, students, journalists, and politicians, this work offers a vital perspective on how Bangladesh's climate and environment are actually changing.