Rising sea levels threaten women's reproductive health in Bangladesh

EHN
May 31, 2024

Rising sea levels threaten women's reproductive health in Bangladesh


Women in Bangladesh are suffering severe health impacts from saltwater intrusion, a consequence of climate change that could soon affect other parts of the world.

Zoya Teirstein and Mahadi Al Hasnat report for Grist, Vox, and The 19th.

In short:

  • Saltwater intrusion in Bangladesh is causing reproductive health issues, including irregular menstrual cycles and infections, particularly affecting women.
  • The rise in sea levels, intensified by climate change, is pushing saline water inland, contaminating drinking water supplies and driving migration from rural areas to cities.
  • Similar threats from rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion are emerging globally, affecting countries like Egypt, Vietnam, and the U.S.