When waste reaches the nets: Livelihoods and coastal lives are affected

What happens when fishing nets bring back more plastic than fish? For coastal communities in Bangladesh, marine pollution and climate change are not just environmental threats, they are disrupting livelihoods, eroding cultural identities, and threatening generations of traditional knowledge. In this SustainEra blog, we explore the lived experience of Kamal, a fisherman from Cox’s Bazar, whose story reveals the interconnected impacts of plastic pollution, climate-induced displacement, and non-economic loss and damage. His journey highlights why coastal resilience must go beyond disaster preparedness to embrace zero-waste solutions, sustainable livelihoods, and the protection of cultural heritage and dignity. ♻️ Because protecting our oceans is not just about saving ecosystems. It is about safeguarding the lives, identities, and futures of those who depend on them.