In addition to the direct effects of climate change induced sea level rise, it is important to be aware of the effect of salt infiltration on farming. Much of the world’s cropland is near the coast and at low altitude. It is therefore vulnerable to being rendered infertile by salt from the oceans, as increased sea levels produce brackish rivers and more extreme storm surges. Many of these croplands are in developing countries, where the compounded effects of climate change are most likely to overwhelm domestic adaptation capacity.
Scientists have predicted that a 90cm increase in sea level would cause major infiltration problems in Bangladesh. Most recent scientific evidence suggests a sea level rise of about 1m by 2100, and possibly significantly more.
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Seas ‘threaten 20m in Bangladesh’
By David Shukman
BBC News, Bangladesh
Up to 20 million people in low-lying Bangladesh are at risk from rising sea levels in the coming decades, according to new research.
Scientists predict that salty water could reach far inland, making it hard to cultivate staple foods like rice.
The research comes as the government appeals for $5bn (£3bn) over five years to combat climate change.
In May, Cyclone Aila left thousands homeless, killed many and caused widespread flooding and damage.
The predictions come from the Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (Cegis) in Bangladesh.
It suggests a surprisingly small area of land will be permanently lost to the waters, but notes that vast tracts in the south-west could be inundated every monsoon season.