Ismar Uzeirovic, Technical Tutor at the University of Roehampton, has an exhibition of his project ‘Loss and Damage’ in the Library at the university until 3rd February 2022. This work, looking at the effects of climate change in Bangladesh, was supported by grants from the Southlands Methodist Trust.
Ismar writes:
Bangladesh is often quoted as one of the countries likely to be worst affected by the effects of the changing climate where it is predicted that a number of environmental factors such as sea-level rise, riverbank erosion, saline water intrusion, and more frequent and violent storms, combined with economic factors, will drive increasingly larger numbers of people from their homes in the coastal areas of the country.
Loss and damage, when used in relation to the environment, is the term used to describe not only the negative economic impacts of anthropogenic climate change but also the irretrievable loss of cultural heritage, knowledge, traditions, habitat, and biodiversity.
The effects of climate change can to some extent be mitigated by increasing the resilience and adaptive capacity of the communities to make them better able to cope with the challenges they face, and in turn, make migration a less attractive option. Along the Meghna River, locals are fortifying river banks and strengthening flood defences. In some areas, school teaching takes place on boats that sail to collect children from their catchment area. In others, farmers are switching to more saline water-resistant rice crops, or using floating cultivation beds that are able to grow vegetables even in high waters of the monsoon season.
Building on the previous experience, the planners in the country are trying to turn the challenge into an opportunity for development. In an effort to relieve the pressure away from the capital, the government of Bangladesh aims to develop a number of climate-resilient and migrant-friendly cities, providing jobs and opportunities to attract migrants. The town of Mongla is one example. The plan is to make this deep water port into a regional hub, but as things stand, the town is still poorly connected to the rest of the country whilst accommodation and drinking water supply remain major issues.
The second phase of this project, originally conducted in Dhaka, looks to make a connection between the megacity and the hinterland, between the traditional and urban way of living, and provide a snapshot of a country and humanity in transition.
Visit the Library to view the exhibition or visit Ismar on Instagram.
You can also preview the exhibition by clicking below.
Ismar Uzeirovic – Loss and Damage