The consequences of climate change have long been part of everyday life for people in crisis regions. In NETZ projects, they tackle these challenges with knowledge and solidarity.

Repeated flooding and cyclones are some of the challenges faced by Sasanti Rani Biswas from the village of Nakna in the southern coastal district of Satkhira. Cyclone Remal, which devastated parts of Bangladesh and India in May 2024, also destroyed her home. But the young woman did not give up: „I have become strong enough to defy adversity.“

By this, she means above all her household and her livelihood as a farmer. Sasanti Rani Biswas saves some money and puts it into a ‘disaster fund,’ which has enabled her to rebuild her house shortly after the cyclone. Even more important, however, is structural self-help: the income from her five goats, seven ducks, and several chickens – kept safe during disasters thanks to disaster preparedness training – secures her livelihood. “The income from the animals helps me practically. But the fact that they are there also provides great emotional support to keep going.“

Dealing with the consequences of the climate crisis is a key aspect of NETZ‘s work in Bangladesh. Amidst the challenges, there are proven and effective adaptation strategies. Many project participants living in climate crisis regions are in the same situation as Sasanti Rani Biswas. They apply what they have learned in training courses in practical ways within the projects: for example, building flood-proof livestock pens or protecting their vegetable gardens through techniques such as water beds and salt-resistant rice and vegetable varieties. Additionally, they learn how to prepare for recurring natural disasters such as floods and cyclones and how to respond as a community in times of emergency.

Climate hotspot: Bangladesh‘s south coast

Rising sea levels not only threaten settlements and lead to soil erosion and land loss. The salt water also causes soil degradation and contaminates drinking water. Cyclones, which are increasing in number and intensity, destroy infrastructure and homes. People are at risk of losing their livelihoods and are forced to migrate in search of work. The region is thus a prime example of the serious social consequences of the climate crisis in the Global South – where the regions most affected are those that contribute least to the crisis.

What we have planned for 2025

Securing water supplies: Rising sea levels are threatening freshwater resources, particularly in southern Bangladesh. NETZ is supporting local projects in the region. People are being trained and supported in implementing their own sustainable concepts for fresh water supply in order to counteract increasing salinisation.