Bangladesh’s floating schools
How one man is trying to combat climate change and poverty in a country hard hit by both.
Climate change is already a reality for densely populated Bangladesh, and the battle is on to deal with its effects.
Flooding occurs in Bangladesh twice a year, leaving its land victim to erosion.
In 2007 alone, 10 million Bangladeshis were affected by rising waters.
Scientists estimate that by 2050, Bangladesh could lose almost a fifth of its land, leaving 20 million homeless.
To make matters worse, the country faces another challenge – poverty. Half of Bangladesh’s 150 million inhabitants live below the poverty line and are landless – forcing many to live in river basins without basic facilities, proper employment, or education – especially for girls and women.
Riz chats with a man who is doing something about both problems.
Mohammed Rezwan, a Bangladeshi architect, has founded a non-profit organisation that provides education, shelter and even healthcare on solar-powered boats.
His work is the focus of a documentary, Easy Like Water, and the filmmaker – Glenn Baker – also joins the show to discuss this innovative way to deal with climate change.
This episode of the Riz Khan show aired on December 31, 2009.