Overview
Bangladesh has been assessed as the most vulnerable country to natural disasters due to its biophysical (unique geographical location, flat and low-lying landscape) and socio-economic conditions (fragile economic strength, high population density, etc.). The country experiences natural disasters almost every year. Historically, floods, cyclones, storm surges, coastal erosion, landslides, droughts, etc. have been very common in Bangladesh. The country was listed as the 10th most natural disaster-prone countries by the World Risk Report 2019. The disaster susceptibility of Bangladesh has been amplified manifold due to the recent climatic variability as well as anthropogenic drivers. The pattern, frequencies, and the state of climatic variables affect the magnitude of disasters, and sometimes extreme climatic conditions themselves appear to be a disaster.
Although Bangladesh is responsible for a small contribution (0.66 ton CO2/capita) to global emissions, it ranked seventh among the most climate change affected countries on the Global Climate Risk Index 2020. Besides, the country is believed to be not ready enough to face climate change and disaster associated challenges. Also, the hazards and disasters risk associated with anthropogenic drivers’ i.e. unplanned development, pollution, political and social unrest, etc. has become an important concern. However, the country has been striving for capacity development in all possible sectors. The consistent economic growth, as well as policy initiatives, has already been creating positive momentum in its structural and non-structural competencies and preparedness to fight against the upcoming threats. As an academic institution, The Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) wishes to offer its maximum support to maintain the country’s sustainable economic growth and development.
As of now, the Department of Climate and Disaster Management (CDM) presently offers an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Science in Climate and Disaster Management. The department plans to offer graduate programs by 2024. Besides, this department is preparing to house an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in the relevant field.