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.