The Impact of Climate Change on Nutrition and Cardiometabolic Disease in Bangladesh: Catalyzing Policy Action

Bangladesh is one of the largest lower-middle-income countries facing serious damage from climate change, but little is understood about the linkage of these changes with dietary and other major health risks. Seasonal floods, droughts, cyclones, heatwaves, and freshwater salinization are expected to accelerate the already rising burden of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) through adverse impacts on food and water security and diet quality. However, to date, data linking climate change and dietary and health changes is virtually nonexistent in Bangladesh. To address gaps, this study will create new detailed data on climate variability, dietary intake, and CMD risk to analyze climate-nutrition-health associations. To gain richer insights on the pathways for how climate impacts diet and subsequently CMD, we will employ an array of mixed methods including participatory conceptual mapping workshops, food environment audits, retailer interviews, and consumer focus groups, with a special emphasis on vulnerable subpopulations (i.e., youth, farmers, and the poor). Throughout the project, we will work with policy and community stakeholders to identify policy priorities and center community needs. Our project will have immediate impact via co-creation of policy recommendations for the Bangladesh National Action Plan for Nutrition, with the long-term goal of promoting healthy, sustainable food systems.