1. Coping Strategies of Urban Poor in Dhaka

Dhaka, the city of more than 12 million people, is encompassing both rapidly globalizing economy and infrastructurally poor neighbourhoods. Every day people are migrating to the city looking for a better life and livelihood for various climatic reasons.

Dhaka is a densely populated city with over 12 million inhabitants, featuring a complex mix of economic growth and poverty. Many individuals and families migrate to Dhaka seeking improved living conditions and opportunities due to the impacts of climate change on their home environments. This highlights the significant issue of urban poverty in the city, where a large portion of its population faces challenges in accessing basic services and resources.

Imagine a small town experiencing drought and failing crops. Families may leave in search of better opportunities in a bustling city like Dhaka, which promises jobs and a brighter future. However, upon arrival, they may find themselves in slums with inadequate access to clean water and sanitation – a stark contrast to their hopes.

The future climate change pattern may impact Dhaka from flooding and creating heat islands where temperature may become a few degrees higher than the surrounding areas.

The climate in Dhaka is projected to change in ways that will exacerbate existing issues. Increased flooding and urban heat islands - areas that are warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities - threaten the already vulnerable population. Flooding can damage homes and displace families, while heat islands can lead to health problems during extremely hot weather.

Think of a sponge in a sink. As the sponge becomes saturated, it can no longer absorb more water, causing it to overflow. In Dhaka, excessive rainfall can lead to similar 'overflow,' where floodwaters inundate the city, affecting homes and daily life.

The research identified several coping strategies. People made physical modifications within the built environment as well as making improvements at the neighbourhood level.

The urban poor in Dhaka have developed a variety of strategies to cope with the impacts of climate change. These include modifications to their homes and neighborhoods, such as raising the height of floors to prevent flooding or creating barriers at door fronts to keep water out. Community initiatives, like cleaning drainage systems, are also part of these strategies.

Consider a family that raises their living room floor by adding bricks or planks. This small change is like placing a boat on a lake; as the water rises, the boat stays afloat, keeping the family safe and dry.

Social network helped people to get assistance during disasters and improved living conditions and livelihood opportunities.

Strong social networks among the urban poor play a crucial role in their ability to respond to disasters. Those with connections to neighbors, friends, and family members can receive support in times of need, whether it’s through physical help during flooding or emotional support. Improved relationships within communities can lead to better living conditions and access to job opportunities.

Imagine a group of friends coming together to help each other after a snowstorm. They shovel each other's driveways, share food, and provide childcare – this mutual aid creates a safety net that helps everyone make it through tough times.

Half of the households surveyed reduced their vulnerability through savings. Accumulated assets increased resilience, including investments in education for children.

Saving money and accumulating assets are vital strategies for the urban poor in Dhaka. Households that save money or manage to invest in valuable items, like education for their children, can enhance their resilience against climate change impacts and other hazards. This means they have a cushion to fall back on during difficult times.

Think of saving money in a piggy bank. If an unexpected expense arises, like a car repair, those savings can help cover the cost, preventing a financial crisis. Similarly, investing in a child's education is like planting a seed; it may take time to grow, but it can lead to better job opportunities in the future.

The future challenges of adaptation planning in city level needs to be creative, understanding and establishing connections between diversity and complexity.

As cities like Dhaka continue to grow and face the realities of climate change, adaptation planning must address both the diverse needs of the population and the complexities of urban life. This means that solutions should be innovative, practical, and culturally sensitive, recognizing the unique experiences of the urban poor.

Consider a puzzle with many different pieces. To solve it, you need to find where each piece fits, considering its shape and color. Similarly, urban planners must look at various factors and community needs to create effective strategies for adaptation.

Recognising and supporting the knowledge accumulated in responding to disasters through planning initiatives can create a favourable environment for the poor.

By acknowledging the resilience and coping strategies of the urban poor, future planning initiatives can be more effective. This means using the valuable knowledge gained from those experiences to create policies and programs that enhance living conditions and resilience towards climate change.

Just as a coach learns from each game played to improve the strategies for the next match, planners can learn from how urban communities cope with challenges and adapt their approach to better support these communities.

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