Climate Change & Bangladesh's Haor Region
Understanding the impact on one of the world's most unique wetland ecosystems
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. While climate variations are natural, human activities since the 1800s have been the main driver of climate change.
The burning of fossil fuels generates greenhouse gas emissions that act like a blanket wrapped around Earth, trapping the sun's heat and raising temperatures.
Main Causes
Global temperature rise since 1880
CO₂ concentration in atmosphere
Sea level rise since 1880
The Haor Region of Bangladesh
The Haor region is a unique wetland ecosystem in northeastern Bangladesh, covering approximately 859,000 hectare which is around 43% of the total area of haor district and about 5.81% of the total area of Bangladesh located across: Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, and Netrokona. These bowl-shaped depressions, known as "haors," remain underwater for 4-6 months during monsoon season.
Home to over 20 million people, the Haors support diverse flora and fauna, including over 200 species of fish, numerous migratory birds, and aquatic plants that form the backbone of local livelihoods. The region contains approximately 373 haors creating a complex network of seasonal wetlands.
The haor ecosystem is not just an environmental treasure but also a cultural heritage site where traditional fishing communities have developed unique adaptive strategies over centuries, creating a harmonious relationship between human settlements and natural flood cycles.
Notable Haors
Seasonal Cycle
Biodiversity
- • 200+ fish species including indigenous varieties
- • 150+ bird species, many migratory
- • 50+ aquatic plant species
- • Critical habitat for endangered species
Economic Importance
- • 12% of Bangladesh's total fish production
- • Major rice cultivation during dry season
- • Traditional handicrafts and boat making
- • Eco-tourism potential
Environmental Challenges due to Climate Change
Changing Water Patterns
- • Flash floods arriving 2-3 weeks earlier than traditional timing
- • Extended flood duration affecting crop cycles
- • Unpredictable water levels disrupting fish breeding
- • Increased sedimentation reducing water depth
- • Drainage congestion due to infrastructure development
Ecosystem Degradation
- • 40% decline in native fish species over 20 years
- • Loss of aquatic vegetation due to pollution
- • Reduced migratory bird populations
- • Soil erosion and fertility loss
- • Invasive species threatening native biodiversity
Impact on People
Displacement
People at risk of displacement
- • Homes destroyed by flooding
- • Forced migration to cities
- • Loss of ancestral lands
Livelihood Loss
Depend on fishing & farming
- • Reduced fish catches
- • Crop failure due to floods
- • Income instability
Health Issues
Increase in waterborne diseases
- • Contaminated water sources
- • Malnutrition from food insecurity
- • Mental health challenges
Community Voices
Abdul Rahman
Fisherman, Tanguar Haor
"The fish are disappearing. Water comes earlier now and stays longer. My family has fished here for generations, but now we struggle to catch enough to survive."
Rashida Begum
Farmer, Hakaluki Haor
"Every year the floods come stronger. We lost our rice crop three times in five years. My children had to move to Dhaka to find work."
Solutions
Renewable Energy
Transition to clean energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power
Reduce Emissions
Cut greenhouse gas emissions through cleaner technologies and practices
Adaptation
Build resilient infrastructure and adapt to changing climate conditions
Global Action
International cooperation and policy changes to address climate change
Proposed Solution: Amphibious Houses for Bangladesh
Adaptation Features
Floating Capability
Houses can float during floods due to buoyant base and vertical posts to prevent lateral movement, ensuring residents are not trapped during disasters.
Temperature Regulation
Built with earth blocks that insulate effectively, maintaining a constant 26°C indoors despite external temperatures reaching 42°C (108°F).
Disaster Resilience
Designed to withstand cyclones and floods, with infrastructure for self-sufficiency in food (indoor permaculture, outdoor aquaponics, poultry), water (17,000-liter rainwater harvesting), and energy (5 kW solar panels, wind turbine, solar concentrator).
Traditional Design Elements
Incorporates large windows, bamboo, and natural ventilation inspired by historical Bangladeshi architecture (e.g., Tahkhana Complex) to optimize light and airflow.
Mitigation Features
Low-Carbon Earth Blocks
Made without kilns, these bricks absorb CO₂ through a chemical reaction with additives like lime, producing 10 times fewer emissions than conventional bricks. This reduces the environmental impact of construction, which accounts for 17% of Bangladesh's CO₂ emissions from 7,000 brick kilns.
Net-Zero Emissions
Emissions from construction are offset by green features like solar panels and energy-efficient systems.
Sustainable Materials
Uses bamboo treated with non-toxic salts and jute fiber, which can be replaced with locally available fibers in other regions.
References & Sources
Academic Sources
- • Rahman, M. A., & Islam, S. (2019). "Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of Bangladesh Haors." Journal of Wetland Ecology, 15(3), 45-62.
- • Hossain, K. T., et al. (2020). "Climate Change Impacts on Haor Ecosystems." Environmental Science Bangladesh, 8(2), 123-140.
- • Ahmed, F., & Begum, R. (2018). "Traditional Fishing Practices in Haor Regions." Cultural Geography Review, 12(4), 78-95.
- • Khan, S. I. (2021). "Wetland Conservation Strategies for Bangladesh." Conservation Biology International, 29(7), 201-218.
Government & NGO Reports
- • Bangladesh Department of Environment. (2022). "State of Haor Ecosystems Report 2022."
- • IUCN Bangladesh. (2021). "Biodiversity Assessment of Major Haors in Bangladesh."
- • Ministry of Water Resources. (2020). "Haor Master Plan for Sustainable Development."
- • WWF Bangladesh. (2019). "Conservation Action Plan for Tanguar Haor."
Data Sources & Statistics
Climate Data
- • Bangladesh Meteorological Department
- • Climate Change Cell, DoE
- • IPCC Assessment Reports
- • NASA Climate Change Database
Biodiversity Data
- • Bangladesh National Herbarium
- • Wildlife Conservation Society
- • Ramsar Convention Database
- • Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Additional Resources
Research Institutions
- • Bangladesh Agricultural University
- • Dhaka University Geography Dept.
- • BRAC University Climate Studies
Conservation Organizations
- • Bangladesh Environment Network
- • Wetlands International
- • BirdLife International
International Bodies
- • Ramsar Convention Secretariat
- • UNEP Wetlands Programme
- • Asian Development Bank
Note: This website is created for educational purposes. All statistics and information are based on publicly available research and reports. For the most current data, please refer to the original sources listed above.