A Study on the Impact of Climate Change on Socio-economic Inequality in Bangladesh: An Analysis
Keywords:
Climate change; inequality; econometric analysis; climate justice; displacement; migrationAbstract
This study examines the impact of climate change on socio-economic inequality in Bangladesh, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. Adopting a mixed-method exploratory approach, the research combines qualitative thematic analysis with indicative quantitative and econometric analysis using secondary time-series data. The study investigates how climate-induced hazards-particularly cyclones, salinity intrusion, and environmental degradation-disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including low-income households, coastal communities, and women. Econometric findings reveal a strong positive relationship between cyclone frequency and economic losses, while salinity intrusion significantly contributes to agricultural land degradation. A composite Climate Vulnerability Index further highlights spatial disparities across coastal districts, demonstrating unequal exposure and adaptive capacity. Thematic analysis complements these findings by illustrating how climate-induced displacement, livelihood disruption, and unequal access to resources reinforce structural inequalities. The study contributes to climate justice discourse by integrating empirical evidence with socio-economic analysis, emphasizing the need for inclusive and equity-based climate policies. It concludes that without targeted interventions, climate change will continue to exacerbate socio-economic inequality and undermine sustainable development in Bangladesh.
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