Lecture Notes: The Physical and Human Environment of Bangladesh

Section A: The Physical Environment

1.1 Location, Climate, and Biomes

Position of Bangladesh

• Climate: Tropical monsoonal, favorable for agriculture due to proximity to the Tropic of Cancer.
• Bay of Bengal: Provides access to fishing; vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges.
• Geographical Neighbors: Adjacent to India, allows trade but faces challenges due to India's control of upstream rivers.
• Distance to Markets: Far from major RMG markets in Europe and North America, leading to high transportation costs.

Monsoon Climate

• Seasonal wind reversal (SE to NW), wet summers, and dry winters.

Humid Subtropical Climate

• Characterized by heavy rainfall, hot summers, and cool winters.

Regional Variations

• Variations in climatic zones: tropical savanna, humid subtropical, subtropical highland, and monsoon.

1.2 Seasonal Variations in Precipitation and Temperature

Seasons

• Pre-Monsoon (March-May): High temperatures, thunderstorms, variable winds.
• Monsoon (June-October): Humid winds, heavy rainfall.
• Winter (November-February): Cool temperatures, low rainfall.

Causes of Variations

• Precipitation: Influenced by subtropical monsoon climate and tropical depressions.
• Temperature: Influenced by Earth's tilt and cloud cover.
• Southwest Monsoon: Caused by differential heating between land and sea.
• Western Disturbances: Cyclones formed by cold winds meeting warm winds.

1.3 Large-Scale Ecosystems (Biomes)

Mangrove Ecosystem

• Distribution: Khulna Division, Sundarbans.
• Characteristics: Small trees, saline waters, roots with salt filtration, breeding area for fish, wildlife habitat.

1.4 Tectonic and Glacial Processes

Tectonic Processes

• Himalayan Formation: Indian and Eurasian plates push sedimentary rocks, forming fold mountains.

Glacial Processes

• Accumulation: Snow build-up via snowfall and refreezing.
• Ablation: Ice mass loss by melting and calving.

Earthquake Impacts

• Primary: Structural damage, fatalities.
• Secondary: Aftershocks, fires, liquefaction, economic repercussions.
• Responses: Training, emergency services, education, building codes.

1.5 Relief, Drainage and Hydro-Meteorological Hazards

Drainage Network

• Ganges/Padma, Jamuna, Meghna Rivers: Key components of Bangladesh's drainage system.
• Ganges Delta: Formed by sediment deposition.
• Floodplains: Formed by river sediments on valley floors.

Causes of Cyclones, Storm Surges, and Flooding

• Tropical Cyclones: Cause storm surges and heavy rainfall.
• River Flooding: Caused by monsoon rainfall and glacier melt.
• Coastal Flooding: Caused by cyclones, tsunamis, and sea-level rise.

Responses

• Government: Embankments, early warning systems.
• International Agencies: Relief aid, evacuation.

1.6 Natural Resources and Exploitation

Fishing

• Importance: Major protein source, employment, export.
• Distribution and Exploitation: Freshwater and marine fishing areas.

Forests

• Distribution: Mangrove, evergreen, deciduous.
• Exploitation: Timber, fuelwood, medicinal crops.

Energy Resources

• Renewable: Hydroelectric, solar, wind, tidal.
• Non-Renewable: Coal, gas, oil.

Environmental Impacts

• Water Exploitation: Depletes groundwater, intensifies arsenic contamination.
• Deforestation: Causes biodiversity loss, increases flooding risk.
• Pollution: Industrial waste and fossil fuel emissions.

Section B: The Human Environment

2.1 Bangladesh’s Economy: Agriculture and Food Security

Distribution of Agriculture

• Influenced by climate, relief, soil, water supply, and labor.

Strategies for Increasing Output

• Land Rights: Addressing corruption and inefficiency.
• Education and Technology: Providing technical knowledge, plant breeding, mechanization.

Food Security Approaches

• Government and NGO programs to improve food production and nutrition.

2.2 Secondary, Tertiary/Quaternary Sectors, and Transport Systems

Manufacturing Location Factors

• Physical: Land, water, transport, environmental policies.
• Economic: Labor, capital, market proximity, linked activities.

Service Location Factors

• Tertiary/Quaternary: Urban areas, transport facilities, government incentives.

Transport System Challenges

• Rail and Road: Overcrowding, poor maintenance, traffic congestion.
• River Transport: Seasonal impact, physical barriers.

2.3 Globalisation and TNCs

Benefits and Challenges of TNCs

• Benefits: Employment, infrastructure, technology.
• Challenges: Cultural impact, labor exploitation, competition.

Impact of Globalisation

• Trade, remittances, cultural exchange, economic opportunities.

2.4 Economic Development Challenges

Trade and Remittances

• Trade Balance: Consistent deficit, reliance on RMG exports.

Economic Development Challenges

• Energy: Dependence on imports, energy insecurity.
• Regional Disparities: Urban-rural divide, migration impacts.
• Gender Equality: Ensuring economic contributions of women.

Environmental Impacts

• Pollution: Water and air from industrial activities and agriculture.
• Deforestation: Associated with agriculture and industry.

Section C: Challenges for Bangladesh

3.1 Indicators of Development, Population Patterns and Trends

Development Indicators

• GDP, population density, structure, birth/death rates, natural increase.

Population Influences

• Physical Factors: Relief, climate, soil fertility, water availability.
• Human Factors: Urban migration, economic opportunities.

Population Trends

• Fertility, mortality, and life expectancy implications on services.

3.2 Quality of Life in Rural Bangladesh

Challenges for Rural Communities

• Poverty, education access, gender inequality, subsistence agriculture.

Supporting Strategies

• Government and NGO programs for agriculture, education, healthcare.

3.3 Quality of Life in Urban Bangladesh

Urban Challenges and Opportunities

• Housing, employment, traffic congestion, pollution.

Case Study: Dhaka

• Rapid population growth, slum conditions, transport issues.

Strategies for Urban Challenges

• Bottom-up (NGOs): Housing, education, healthcare access.
• Top-down (Government): Urban planning, infrastructure development.

3.4 Climate Change Impacts and Mitigation

Causes and Impacts of Climate Change

• People: Displacement, food security, health impacts.
• Economy: Government spending, export challenges.
• Environment: Sea-level rise, biodiversity loss.

Mitigation Strategies

• Local Actions: Community projects, adaptive agriculture.
• International Strategies: Carbon taxes, cap and trade, renewable energy targets.

This summary captures the main points from the lecture on Bangladesh's physical and human environments, including climate, economic activities, globalization impacts, and climate change challenges and responses. Ensure to review each section for detailed understanding and context.