Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to agricultural patterns have created an unprecedented situation, threatening the stability of nations and societies. In this context, climate security has gained prominence, referring to how climate change can exacerbate conflicts, destabilise regions, and impact national and international security. For a country like Bangladesh, which is highly vulnerable to climate-related impacts, the intersection of climate security and geopolitics has become a critical issue.
Bangladesh sits at the confluence of several critical geopolitical dynamics, influenced by its geographic location, population density, and position as one of the countries most affected by climate change. With its low-lying coastal areas and reliance on agriculture, Bangladesh is highly susceptible to the consequences of rising sea levels, increasingly unpredictable monsoons, and frequent cyclones. The resulting environmental stresses pose significant risks to the country's food security, water resources, and overall economic stability. Moreover, these challenges are not limited to Bangladesh alone but have regional and global security implications.
The concept of climate security emphasises how the environmental effects of climate change can act as a threat multiplier, worsening existing tensions and conflicts. In Bangladesh's case, the vulnerabilities are multifaceted. The country is already grappling with poverty, population pressure, and resource scarcity issues. Climate-induced events like flooding, droughts, and storm surges put additional strain on a fragile socio-economic system. For instance, rising sea levels have resulted in the salinisation of freshwater sources in coastal areas, rendering large agricultural land unusable and forcing many people to migrate for livelihoods. These climate-induced migrations can lead to social tensions and resource conflicts, both within the country and across its borders.
Bangladesh's strategic location in South Asia also places it in a complex geopolitical environment. It shares borders with India and Myanmar, and its proximity to the Bay of Bengal places it within a region that is becoming increasingly significant in global geopolitics. As climate change accelerates, the geopolitical ramifications of environmental degradation in Bangladesh will grow. One key issue is the potential for large-scale migration driven by environmental stressors. Estimates suggest that rising sea levels and other climate impacts in the coming decades could displace millions of Bangladeshis. This could increase tensions with neighbouring countries, particularly India, which has already expressed concerns about the potential for cross-border migration due to climate change.
Climate migration also risks creating or exacerbating ethnic and communal tensions within Bangladesh. Migrants from environmentally degraded regions may move to areas already under economic strain, leading to land, water, and job competition. This can fuel local conflicts and disrupt social cohesion, undermining the country’s stability. Managing climate-induced migration also requires significant investment in urban planning, infrastructure development, and social services to accommodate the influx of displaced people.
At the international level, the geopolitical implications of climate change extend far beyond migration. Bangladesh's location on the Bay of Bengal makes it a critical player in maritime security dynamics. The Bay of Bengal is a vital hub for international trade and a region where major global powers like China, the United States, and India are vying for influence. As climate change threatens coastal infrastructure, fisheries, and maritime routes, the strategic importance of Bangladesh's coastline will increase. This could lead to greater international interest in Bangladesh's security and stability and heightened competition among major powers for influence in the region.
The international community has increasingly recognised the link between climate change and security. Institutions like the United Nations have emphasised addressing climate-related risks to prevent conflicts and ensure global peace. Bangladesh, as a frontline state in the fight against climate change, has actively participated in international forums to raise awareness about the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable countries. However, despite these efforts, there is still a need for more robust global cooperation and financial support to help countries like Bangladesh build resilience to climate risks.
One of the critical challenges facing Bangladesh in its efforts to address climate security is the need for substantial financial and technological resources. While the country has made significant strides in climate adaptation and mitigation, its ability to implement large-scale resilience measures is constrained by limited resources. International climate finance mechanisms, such as the Green Climate Fund, are intended to support developing countries like Bangladesh. Still, the distribution of these funds has been slow and insufficient relative to the scale of the challenge.
Geopolitical considerations also play a role in shaping Bangladesh's climate policies. As the country seeks to navigate its relationships with neighbouring countries and global powers, it must balance its climate security needs with broader diplomatic and economic interests. For example, Bangladesh's close ties with India are critical for ensuring regional stability and managing cross-border environmental issues such as river management and flood control. At the same time, Bangladesh must also engage with China, which has emerged as a key economic partner and investor in infrastructure projects, including those related to climate resilience.
Another essential aspect of Bangladesh's geopolitical position is its role in regional cooperation on climate issues. South Asia is one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world, and effective regional collaboration is essential for addressing shared climate risks. Bangladesh has been a vocal advocate for regional initiatives to improve disaster preparedness, water resource management, and climate adaptation. However, political tensions and competing national interests within the region have often hampered the effectiveness of these efforts. Strengthening regional cooperation, mainly through platforms such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), will be crucial for addressing the transboundary impacts of climate change.
In addition to regional cooperation, Bangladesh’s engagement with international climate diplomacy is vital. The country has actively participated in global climate negotiations, mainly through its leadership in the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), a coalition of countries most affected by climate change. Through the CVF and other platforms, Bangladesh has consistently called for more excellent international action on climate mitigation, adaptation, and financial support for vulnerable nations. As climate security becomes an increasingly prominent issue on the global agenda, Bangladesh will continue to play a critical role in advocating for the rights and needs of climate-vulnerable countries.
Climate security and geopolitics are intricately linked in the case of Bangladesh. The country faces significant challenges as it grapples with the impacts of climate change on its socio-economic stability and navigates the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach involving domestic efforts to build resilience and international cooperation to ensure that the global response to climate change is equitable and effective. For Bangladesh, climate security is not just an environmental issue but a matter of national and regional stability, and its importance will only grow in the coming years as the impacts of climate change continue to intensify.
The writer is a researcher and development worker.
