Socio-economic Dimensions of Climate Change in Urban Bangladesh: A Focus on the Initiatives of Local Governing Agencies

This chapter examines the socio-economic impacts of climate change in non-coastal cities in Bangladesh. It aims to identify the severity of climate change on various socio-economic dimensions, assess the challenges faced by governing agencies, and provide recommendations for effective adaptation and mitigation measures. The study employs a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the specific impact of climate change on each dimension. A structured survey method is employed, incorporating a five-point Likert scale, to quantify the severity of climate change impacts. Additionally, qualitative methods such as Key Informant Interviews (KII), Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and observation techniques enrich the data collection process, providing a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by governing agencies. The findings reveal that climate change significantly affects the socio-economic well-being of communities in non-coastal cities. Professional security, health security, income security, economic security, and social security are all negatively impacted by climate change, with varying degrees of severity. Furthermore, the research identifies major challenges faced by governing agencies, including unawareness, corruption, poverty, political factors, religious factors, the apathy of the authority, a lack of international aid, and population growth. These challenges hinder effective climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Based on the research findings, recommendations are provided to address these challenges and enhance the capacity of governing agencies. By implementing the recommendations, governing agencies can enhance their ability to address climate change challenges and promote resilience in these cities.