Mark Evans
Impacts of Sea Level Rise
Bangladesh and the Netherlands
For both Bangladesh and the Netherlands rises in sea levels would be catastrophic. Bangladesh is though to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to sea level rise and because it is not large in area effects in the coastal area are likely to be felt across the whole country. In Bangladesh a 50cm rise in sea level would lead to the inundation of 10% of the land affecting not only the coastal area but areas inland relying on the coastal areas. About one quarter of the population live in coastal areas with the reaming three quarters depending largely on activities in the coastal areas. Coastal activities such as fishing and shrimp farming are key to the countries economy, and there are two major sea ports with large industrial complexes located at Chittagong and Mongola. Rice production also occurs due to the fertile nature of the soil. Salt-water intrusion will reduce the quality and quantity of minimal freshwater supplies.
