Dr Monirul Mirza of the Adaptation and Impacts Research Division (AIRD) of Environment Canada, also a faculty of University of Toronto, talks to Mubin S Khan

Could you give us examples of what adaptation measures Bangladesh can take specifically to deal with climate change?
   From the government and private level (at home and abroad) research has been conducted, we already know the areas/sectors to be vulnerable under climate change due to increases/changes in temperature, rainfall and sea level rise. For example, water, agriculture, infrastructure and health sectors would be hard hit.
   Water sector will have to face twin problems (flooding and drought). These events will have impacts on agriculture in terms of food production and food security. Other non-climatic factors-poverty, inequality, economic globalisation will also compound the problem.
   For adaptation regarding flooding, we have structural and non-structural interventions already in place. However, we don’t know whether the existing measures are enough to tackle future recurrent flooding. In my view they are inadequate as evident from recurring floods and failures of the systems. We need to assess it in a disciplined fashion.
   
   What about for droughts?
   For droughts, our problem will be supply of irrigation water. Our surface water sources are dwindling at a faster rate than ever before due to intra-country mismanagement and withdrawal of water beyond our borders which will certainly increase in future. Increase of irrigation efficiency is a must for Bangladesh. Our irrigation efficiency is hardly over 30 per cent and has remained stagnant in the past 5-6 decades. There are advanced technologies (drip and sprinkler irrigation systems) are available which saves water losses and increases efficiency. Lined irrigation canals also decrease water losses. In urban areas, water losses from the public water supply systems are huge. We have to get out of this idea that ‘public goods are for wasting’. Market based pricing mechanisms (only for those who can afford) can reduce waste of valuable water. We also need to ensure water supply and sanitation for the poorest section of the urban areas. There are many instances, with little resources, efficient management ensured water for everybody. The recently released IPCC Synthesis Report in Valencia, Spain produced a generic list of adaptation measures. Our Government can certainly look into it.
   
   Has the government or other organisations done something to induct adaptation programs into their plans?
   In the last 15-20 years, our efforts have been concentrated on only vulnerability, impacts and adaptation assessment. In my view we have done a lot on this issue. But we have not really moved into mainstreaming of adaptation into our development planning whereas our neighboring country India did. Last February I spoke to a member of India’s Planning Commission in New Delhi. He told me that India’s next Five Plan will start focusing on climate change.
   The IRRI in the Philippines are investing resources on this and in certain instances they are successful. Bangladesh can start cooperating with IRRI as soon as possible. We have a great pool of talent in rice breeding (so far 80 plus varieties have been developed by BRRI). I am very hopeful that our scientists will demonstrate their excellence in this regard.
   
   What can Bangladesh hope to achieve at the Bali summit in terms of attaining funds for adaptations?
   A large number of projects have been identified by Bangladesh under the National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA). Bangladesh should start working on developing full proposals and seek funding for these projects. However, in my view Bangladesh should start working on National Adaptation Policy (some EU countries have already done it). Inter-ministerial coordination is also required. I am not sure Bangladesh would receive any firm commitment on adaptation projects from the Bali Summit. Because usually clearance of any adaptation project in the GEF (Global Environment Facility) is highly time-consuming (4-5 years).
   
   Do we already have some examples of adaptations measures taken in the country?
   We have already implemented a large number of projects to tackle climate variability and extremes. For example, embankments for flood hazard mitigation, coastal embankments and afforestation projects for getting protection from storm surge, flood forecasting and warning, cyclone forecasting and preparedness programs, crop diversification, alternative livelihoods projects, development short-rotation crop varieties, rain-water harvesting, etc.