Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Resilience

Programmes

Since 2011, Islamic Relief Bangladesh (IRB) has been working to address the escalating impacts of climate change and disaster risks across Bangladesh. The Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Resilience (CCA&DR) Programme supports marginalised and at-risk communities through inclusive, locally led, and innovative approaches. These include climate-adaptive agriculture, resilient livelihoods, impact-based early warning systems, nature-based and ecosystem-based solutions, urban resilience, and improved access to climate and disaster risk finance.

The programme is fully aligned with national policies and frameworks, as well as global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement. It places special emphasis on empowering youth, women, persons with disabilities, the elderly, ethnic groups, occupational communities, and disadvantaged families. Under the IRB Strategy 2023–2027, CCA&DR aims to strengthen community resilience through evidence-based, forward-looking interventions that address present challenges while preparing communities for future climate and disaster risks.
Through innovation, inclusivity, and strong partnerships, the programme continues to serve as a model for resilience programming in Bangladesh and beyond.

Key Focus Areas

  • Community Resilience: Empowering communities to adapt to climate-induced shocks and stresses using localised, people-centred solutions, with deliberate inclusion of the elderly and youth.
  • Just Transition: Promoting a fair, inclusive shift toward low-carbon development, ensuring decent work and minimising risks for vulnerable groups.
  • Climate-Responsive Livelihoods: Enhancing food security and economic stability through climate-friendly agriculture and income opportunities, supported by interest-free and flexible financing.
  • Forecast-Based Action: Reducing disaster risks through proactive, data-driven preparedness measures following real time weather forecast.
  • Nature-Based Solutions: Restoring and conserving ecosystems to build long-term resilience and strengthen harmony between people and nature.
  • Climate and Disaster Risk Financing: Promote equity and equality in Climate and Disaster Risk Financing for the at-risk people, ensuring fair access to climate funds like the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
  • Climate Justice: Ensuring fair access to resources, decision-making, and climate action opportunities for marginalised communities.
  • Partnerships and Collaboration: Strengthening impact through strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, and coordinated action.