Climate Change Impacts Profiles
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS PROFILES1Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Climate Change Impacts Profiles”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/Mehnaz UddinKuakata, BangladeshFishmonger§Mehnaz lives in a small fishing village in Bangladesh, a densely populated country that sits on the largest river delta in the world.§Recently, Mehnaz’s region has experienced more intense cyclones and heavy rainfall, which have caused severe flooding.§These floods create bodies of water that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which carry diseases like dengue fever and malaria. §Flooding has also caused saltwater intrusion into the freshwater resources, which impacts farming and clean drinking-water supplies.§Unpredictable weather and water supplies has Mehnaz and her family considering relocating. Dhaka, the capital city of nearly 24 million people, has grown rapidly in the past few decades as people migrate in search of greater opportunity.Miriam MwangiEmbu County, Kenya Farmer§Miriam lives with her family on a small-scale farm in Kenya, producing food to eat and selling the rest at market.§Recent droughts in her region have become more frequent and more severe, reducing harvests and the amount of extra food available to eat and sell.§Reduced income means less money for things like health care and education. §Less access to health care, nutrient-rich food, and clean drinking water means her children are at greater risk of malnourishment and more susceptible to illnesses like malaria, diarrhea, or pneumonia. Juan Ernesto OrtizQuito, EcuadorEcotourism guide§Juan lives in Ecuador, which has a naturally wet and humid climate. Warmer temperatures are extending the wet season and leading to more days with intense rain.§Longer wet seasons and increased risk of flooding reduce travel and tourism in the area. This year, a major flood took out a road to a popular recreation zone, restricting access to the area.§Shorter tourist seasons and fewer visitors mean Juan is leading fewer tours and earning less money. Irving CollinsFt. Lauderdale, Florida, USASmall-business owner§Irving runs a small business and owns a home near the coast in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. §His home is near the beach, where rising sea levels are causing erosion and flooding.§As a result, the cost of insurance for Irving’s house is increasing.§Irving must now assess the risk and cost of living near the coast versus the cost of relocating.§Relocation would require him to leave his extended family and reestablish his business in a new area.