Climate Change and Bangladesh: Issues

Transcription

1 Climate Change and Bangladesh: Issues Prof. Fuad H Mallick Director

2 Bangladesh is one of the countries that will be most affected by climate change increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters Inundation due to sea level rise Salinity intrusion Extreme weather Droughts Ecosystem change to name a few

3 Factors Geographic location Geomorphic characteristics Population Density Poverty Dependence on nature for livelihoods Host to natural calamities Low levels of education Low technical capabilities

4 Observed effects Cyclones and storm surges Hotter summers Cold spells Monsoon irregularity Untimely rainfall Heavy rainfall in short periods Increased river flow Inundation during monsoon Little rainfall in dry periods Salinity intrusion affecting agriculture and potable water supply Coastal and Riverbank erosion

5 m m m m

6 Long term effects Loss of property Loss of livelihoods Disease Crop damage Permanent inundation Migration Migration picture from amin Importantly Compromises in development activities Both structural and socio economic

7 Contribution to Climate Change Negligible carbon emissions Deforestation Land filling (local) Siltation in river beds (local) Unplanned and uncontrolled urbanization

8 Actions: (underway) Increasing awareness about climate change Climate Change Policy Disaster Risk Reduction Mainstreaming Climate Change Capacity Building Cooperation (international and regional) Research

9 Actions: (Mitigation and Disaster Risk Reduction) approach has a precautionary/ adaptation bias Cyclone shelters Stronger houses Embankments Warning systems

10 Actions: (Education) Disaster Preparedness education in schools Trainings Exercises Short courses Academic Programs: Post Graduate Programs In Disaster Management, BRAC University, September 2005

11 Overview of the BRAC University Dhaka Bangladesh

12 In view of the vulnerability of the country to natural disasters and the need to build capacity in terms of trained manpower BRAC University initiated the development of a curriculum of studies in Disaster Management in 2003

13 After comments from experts and several reviews the curriculum as submitted for approval Granted approval by the University Grants Commission in early 2005 Offered to students in Fall 2005 First such program in the region

14 Supported by: Oxfam GB CIDA CDMP Scholarships, logistics, equipment etc

15 Admission Requirements: 3-year bachelor degree. Candidates with a bachelor degree of lesser duration will also be accepted if they have completed a relevant diploma or certificate course. Minimum 2nd division in SSC, HSC and minimum 2nd class or at least 2.00 CGPA in bachelor degree. Alternatively, O-level in five subjects and A-level in two subjects with a GPA of at least 2.0, according to BRAC University scale: A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1; only one E is acceptable.

16 Written admission test to test + Interviews Communication skills Analytic abilities and Interest in the field

17 3 postgraduate programs in tiered format Certificate - 1 semester Diploma- 2 semesters Masters 3 semesters 1 intake per year in the fall semester

18 CERTIFICATE 2 Foundation Courses (2 credits each) 2 Core Courses (3 credits each) 1 Elective Course (3 credits) 1 Field Study (2 credits) 15 CREDITS TOTAL 15 CREDITS DIPLOMA 2 Foundation Courses (2 credits each) 2 Core Courses (3 credits each) 1 Elective Course (3 credits) 1 Field Study (2 credits) 15 CREDITS TOTAL 30 CREDITS MASTERS 2 Core Courses (3 credits each) Dissertation (9 credits) 15 CREDITS TOTAL 45 CREDITS

19 Foundation Courses (Each course carries 2 credits and is compulsory) Introduction to Hazards and Disasters Fundamentals of Disaster Risk Management Organizational and Policy Context of Disaster Risk Management Research and Analytical Methods

20 Core Courses (Each course carries 3 credits and is compulsory) Disaster Response and Recovery Strategies Disaster Preparedness and Vulnerability Reduction Assessment of Risk, Vulnerability and Capacity Independent Study in Disaster Management I Independent Study in Disaster Management II Dissertation Seminars

21 Elective Courses (Each course carries 3 credits and at least 2 elective courses must be completed. A student may focus on a specific field of interest by selecting the relevant elective courses) Riverine Disaster Risk Management Cyclone and Tornado Preparedness and Rehabilitation Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction Community Based Approaches to Disaster Management GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques in Disaster Management. Building Design and Construction in Disaster-Prone Areas Urbanization and Disasters Risk Communication, Training and Public Awareness Gender Issues in Disaster Management Disaster Risk Reduction and Development Planning

22 Dissertation All students continuing to the master s level are required to complete a dissertation (maximum 20,000 words, minimum 15,000 words) on a topic related to disaster management and agreed with their supervisor(s). The core course Dissertation Seminars will have to be taken during this stage to supplement dissertation writing skills and techniques. The dissertation will have to be presented and defended at a committee composed of at least two faculty members and one external examiner.

23 Faculty Academics Practitioners, in the field of Disaster Management Executives of International Agencies Researchers Technical Experts Field level workers (guest sessions)

24 Students Senior and mid level government officials Armed forces officers NGO employees and workers Fresh graduates Many of whom have field experience in Disaster management

25 Student Enrollment Fall 2005: 18 students 5 completed the Certificate course 10 completed their Master Degree Fall 2006 : 21 students 10 completed Certificate course 11 in Masters program (to complete by September 2008) Fall 2007 : 23 students admitted 12 completed certificate course 11 in Masters program (likely to complete by December 2008) Fall 2008: 4th Intake in September 2008

26 Resource Center for Disaster Management Containing data base on information related to disasters Books Journal Periodicals Computer Programs

27 Thank You