Humans and the Environment of Pakistan and Bangladesh Ch. 26.3

Video Questions 1. Why does global climate change threaten Bangladesh more than most countries? 2. Why do scientists say the river bank is eroding faster than normal? 3. What is an “environmental refugee”?

Video Answers 1. Most of the Bangladesh is only a few meters above sea level. 2. The river is eroding the bank at a faster than normal rate because of an increasing melt in the Himalayas, where the river has its source. 3. An environmental refugee is someone made homeless by the effects of climate change

People and Their Environment: Pakistan and Bangladesh Managing Resources As a result of their heavily agricultural economies, most live in poverty. Sustainable development, or economic growth that meets the population’s needs without hampering the ability of future populations to do the same, was introduced to reduce the gap between the wealthy and poor. Incorporating this philosophy has been difficult, as both countries have made short-term choices that cause long-term negative consequences.

As a result of their heavily agricultural economies, most live in poverty.

Sustainable development, or economic growth that meets the population’s needs without hampering the ability of future populations to do the same, was introduced to reduce the gap between the wealthy and poor.

Incorporating this philosophy has been difficult, as both countries have made short-term choices that cause long-term negative consequences.

People and Their Environment: Pakistan and Bangladesh Human Impact Polluted air and water, soil erosion, and deforestation are all negative human impacts in the subregion. Raw sewage, industrial pollution, and agricultural runoff plagues both countries’ water supplies. Indoor air pollution also threatens populations, as people burn wood and animal dung for fuel. Deforestation has enabled heavy flooding to become even more devastating to the area.

Polluted air and water, soil erosion, and deforestation are all negative human impacts in the subregion.

Raw sewage, industrial pollution, and agricultural runoff plagues both countries’ water supplies.

Indoor air pollution also threatens populations, as people burn wood and animal dung for fuel.

Deforestation has enabled heavy flooding to become even more devastating to the area.

People and Their Environment: Pakistan and Bangladesh Addressing the Issues Although both countries are making efforts to improve, those efforts have been inconsistent and only marginally successful. Pakistan has promoted compressed natural gas (CHG) vehicles to reduce air pollution, but the lack of fueling stations hampers efforts to expand sales. Climate change puts low-lying Bangladesh at great risk if more severe and prolonged storms occur, although the nation produces low amounts of the greenhouse gases that contribute to the problem.

Although both countries are making efforts to improve, those efforts have been inconsistent and only marginally successful.

Pakistan has promoted compressed natural gas (CHG) vehicles to reduce air pollution, but the lack of fueling stations hampers efforts to expand sales.

Climate change puts low-lying Bangladesh at great risk if more severe and prolonged storms occur, although the nation produces low amounts of the greenhouse gases that contribute to the problem.