Workshop Explores Health Impacts of Climate Change in the Sundarbans

Experts from across the globe gathered at the Hotel Sagorika in Diamond Harbour to discuss the pressing health challenges faced by the Sundarbans, one of the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems. Hosted by Mukti in collaboration with Queen Mary University, London, the two-day workshop (January 11-12, 2025) titled “Understanding and Addressing the Health Effects of Climate Change in the Sundarbans” aimed to tackle the growing health crises exacerbated by climate change in the region.

Dr. Andrew Harmer, Principal Investigator at Queen Mary University, London, opened the workshop by emphasizing the urgent need for a collaborative approach to address the intertwined issues of climate change and public health in the Sundarbans. He stressed that without swift, targeted action, health risks from waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and mental health challenges would continue to escalate in the face of rising sea levels and more frequent cyclones.

A key feature of the workshop was a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Harmer, featuring international experts such as Prof. Pradeep Kumar Ray from the University of New South Wales, Australia, Dr. Malay Pramanik, Assistant Professor at the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and Dr. Upasona Ghosh, Associate Professor at the Public Health Foundation of India. The panel explored various aspects of human health in a climate-impacted environment, shedding light on the ways in which climate change is directly affecting the Sundarbans’ most vulnerable populations.

In his presentation, Dr. Harmer shared the findings of a scoping review, focusing on key climate-health issues in the Sundarbans. The review underscored rising salinity levels in drinking water, extreme weather events, and the degradation of agricultural land as central concerns that directly affect the health and wellbeing of local communities. He called for innovative, long-term solutions, combining scientific research and traditional knowledge to enhance resilience.

The workshop also included an interactive “Dotmocracy” activity, where participants voted on the top climate-health issues in the region. This session encouraged attendees to think critically about the most urgent challenges and consider how resources and outputs could be mobilized to address them. Participants identified the integration of climate resilience into healthcare infrastructure and improved disaster preparedness as key priorities.

Mukti’s role in disaster relief, public health, and sustainable agriculture was highlighted throughout the event, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to empowering local communities. The workshop emphasized the need for policy advocacy, greater healthcare infrastructure, and community-driven climate adaptation strategies. Mukti aims to integrate climate resilience into local health systems, ensuring that solutions reflect the realities faced by those living in the Sundarbans.

The workshop concluded with a renewed focus on future research and collaboration. The event sparked new conversations about how research can evolve to meet the immediate needs of the Sundarbans’ population while also planning for long-term resilience. Experts and local practitioners agreed that future studies must prioritize practical, community-focused solutions that blend climate science and public health.

With its global partnerships and active engagement with local communities, Mukti will continue working toward policies that prioritize climate resilience and better healthcare. The workshop marked not just an exchange of knowledge, but the beginning of a collaborative journey toward a sustainable, climate-resilient future for the Sundarbans.