Business Report :
Bangladesh is set to face intensifying climate pressures as a new World Bank report warns that by 2030 nearly 90 percent of South Asia’s population will be exposed to severe heat waves, while about a quarter will suffer from major flooding. The report, released on Monday, says these risks will be amplified by rising salinity in coastal regions already reshaping the lives and livelihoods of millions of Bangladeshis.
Titled “From Risk to Resilience: Helping People and Firms Adapt in South Asia,” the report highlights that the burden of climate adaptation has shifted heavily onto households and the private sector. Three-quarters of households and organizations across South Asia are likely to face climate-related shocks over the next decade. While 80 percent of households and 63 percent of organizations have taken some form of adaptation measure, most rely on low-cost, short-term solutions rather than advanced technologies or resilient infrastructure.
This gap is especially visible in coastal Bangladesh. A survey of 250 villages found that climate-resilient infrastructure remains the most urgent and unmet need. Many communities continue to depend on fragile embankments, unprotected housing, and limited access to safe drinking water as salinity intrudes further inland.
Over the long term, 57 percent of households identified the absence of adequate disaster-resilient structures as a major challenge, while 56 percent said financial constraints prevent necessary adaptations. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh has made progress in disaster preparedness. Government investments in cyclone shelters, embankments, and early warning systems have saved countless lives.
Experiences from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan show that well-designed social protection programs and timely disaster information can help vulnerable families survive and recover more effectively. “Bangladesh’s climate resilience is being repeatedly tested anew. While adaptation is extensive, risks are growing rapidly, so more effective action is needed,” said Jean Pesme, World Bank division director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.
He emphasized the need to strengthen early warning systems, expand social protection programs, and improve climate services in both rural and urban areas.
The report notes that up to one-third of climate-related losses could be avoided if early warning systems, insurance, and access to formal finance are strengthened.
Faster private sector investment would significantly accelerate adaptation. Even amid budget constraints, the government can create an enabling environment for private investment by improving transport and digital infrastructure and making social protection more flexible.
Siddharth Sharma, co-author of the report and lead economist at the World Bank, said Bangladesh remains a leading example of climate adaptation in South Asia. He noted households and businesses are already taking initiative, but the crisis is too complex for isolated efforts. Stronger coordination between government agencies, the private sector, and local institutions is essential.
