Persons with disabilities in the context of Climate Change Adaptation in Bangladesh

CBM/CDD

Promotion of alternative climate-resilient livelihood and trainings in climate-smart agricultural methods are essential to reduce loss of livelihood.

Bangladesh is one of the countries most affected by climate change globally due to its geographical location and heavy reliance on climate-sensitive sectors. In recent years, the country has frequently had to deal with cyclones, heat waves, salinisation, water intrusion, storm surges and floods.

CBM has been working on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DiDRR) in Bangladesh since 2009 and has recently expanded the scope of its DiDRR programmes to include Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). As part of this work on CCA, CBM in collaboration with CDD and BRAC University conducted a study to identify climate change related vulnerabilities and the impact of climate change on coastal dwellers, including persons with disabilities, in the Southkhali Union.

Findings of the study

The study found that when climate-related disasters occur, persons with disabilities are far less able to cope with the impacts of these events. It also found that existing adaptation strategies to protect the livelihoods of persons with disabilities are largely inadequate. The study also examined the gaps in the inclusion of persons with disabilities in adaptation measures, as well as the scope and opportunities for including persons with disabilities in climate change adaptation measures.

The study is a first step for CBM to further strengthen the evidence base and understanding of the impact of climate change on persons with disabilities. In addition, CBM will use the study to better adapt CBM programmes to climate change and ensure that persons with disabilities are included on an equal footing in all relevant climate change adaptation measures and policy processes.