Experts Urge Data-Driven Climate Action in Bangladesh

Climate experts, policymakers and development partners on Wednesday called for urgent, evidence-based climate action in Bangladesh, warning that the country must move beyond reactive crisis management to tackle its growing environmental challenges effectively.

The discussion took place at a dialogue titled “Bangladesh in Climate Emergency: Evidence-Based Pathways for Climate Action” held in Dhaka.

Organised by Oxfam in Bangladesh and its partners with support from the Australian government, the event brought together government officials, researchers, climate specialists and development practitioners to discuss innovative approaches to climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration and climate finance.

Speakers stressed the need for policymaking grounded in scientific data, spatial analysis and community-generated evidence to strengthen Bangladesh’s response to climate risks.

Renowned climate expert Prof Ainun Nishat emphasised the importance of innovation and data-driven governance in addressing climate threats.

“Bangladesh stands at a critical moment where climate challenges must be addressed with precision, transparency and forward-looking strategies,” he said.

He added that evidence-based approaches are essential for strengthening policies, guiding investment decisions and enhancing Bangladesh’s position in global climate negotiations.

Climate Risks Intensifying

Speakers highlighted alarming global and national climate statistics that underscore the urgency of action.

According to data presented at the dialogue:

Climate-related disasters worldwide increased by 83 percent between 1980-1999 and 2000-2019

More than 9,700 extreme weather events were recorded globally between 1995 and 2024

These disasters caused over 830,000 deaths and economic losses exceeding $4.5 trillion

In Bangladesh alone, more than 300 climate-related disasters affected nearly 190 million people between 1995 and 2024, with annual economic losses estimated at around $3 billion.

A paper presented by Dr Mohammad Emran Hasan highlighted that Bangladesh is facing an increasingly severe climate crisis marked by frequent floods, cyclones, salinity intrusion and ecosystem degradation.

The paper also warned that global climate “tipping points” could occur earlier than previously projected, while climate-related damages continue to rise by 5 to 7 percent annually.

Turning Knowledge Into Action

Dr M Shahidul Islam, Professor of Geography and Environment at the University of Dhaka, said Bangladesh already possesses significant experience and technical knowledge on climate adaptation.

“The real challenge is translating that knowledge into timely and effective action,” he said.

He stressed that evidence-based decision-making is essential to address increasingly complex climate risks.

The dialogue also featured presentations on two climate monitoring tools developed by Oxfam — the Loss and Damage Dashboard and the Interactive Spatial Decision Support System (iSDSS).

According to organisers, the tools combine community reporting, satellite-based remote sensing and shared data analysis to improve climate finance management and support more effective climate responses.

Focus on Climate Justice

Nayoka Martinez-Bäckström, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of climate justice and fair access to climate financing.

“Countries like Bangladesh are paying the highest price for a crisis they did not create,” she said, stressing that evidence from affected communities is essential to ensure accountability and fairness in climate finance distribution.

Meanwhile, Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, said climate policies must remain connected to the realities faced by vulnerable communities.

He noted that integrating community voices into policy discussions is crucial for building accountability and effective climate governance.

Speakers also warned of Bangladesh’s increasing vulnerability to climate change, including rising temperatures, sea-level rise affecting more than 100 coastal upazilas and projections that 13.3 million people could become internal climate migrants by 2050.

The programme was organised under the Blue Economy and Inclusive Development for Climate Justice (BID4CJ) initiative, supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and implemented in partnership with several organisations working on climate justice and environmental protection.