POTENTIAL IMPACT OF SEA LABEL RISE ON BANGLADESH

Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest nations is also the country most vulnerable to sea-level rise. The population is already severely affected by storm surges. Catastrophic events in the past have caused damage up to 100 km inland. It is hard to imagine to what extent these catastrophes would be with accelerated sea-level rise.

Today : Total Population is 112 Million &
Total Land Area is 1,34,000 km²

1.5 m Impact : Total Population Affected 17 Million &
Total Land Area Affected 22,000 km²

Digital terrain modelling techniques have been used to display the Bangladesh scenarios. A three dimensional view of the country has been overlaid with the current coastline and major rivers and potential future sea levels at 1,5 meters.

Since this scenario was calculated in 1989, the expected rate of sea level rise has been modified. At present expected rates, this stage will occur in about 150 years from now.

The data given here are course estimates, using the same parameters as Delft Hydraulics. (UNEP/Delft 1989)