Photo: Messenger
Heat waves have become a stark reality for Bangladesh, presenting a formidable challenge that demands urgent attention. As temperatures soar relentlessly, surpassing the 40-degree Celsius mark, the country grapples with the multifaceted impacts of this climate crisis. The recent punishing heatwave has disrupted daily life, jeopardised agricultural activities, and heightened health risks for millions of Bangladeshis.
Considering this escalating threat, it is imperative to delve into the causes of heat waves and devise effective strategies to mitigate their adverse effects.
Unveiling the Causes:
Heat waves, emblematic of climate change, are exacerbated by a myriad of factors:
Global Warming: The relentless extraction and combustion of fossil fuels have fueled global warming, amplifying the frequency and intensity of heat waves worldwide.
Geographical Vulnerability: Bangladesh's geographical location in the tropical region exacerbates the impact of climate change, making it particularly susceptible to extreme heat events.
Urbanisation and Heat Island Effect: Rapid urbanisation has transformed cities like Dhaka into heat islands, characterised by the loss of green spaces, the proliferation of dark surfaces, and the concentration of heat-generating infrastructures.
Disappearance of Nor'westers: The absence of Kal Baishakhi, the traditional nor'wester storms, further exacerbates heatwaves, depriving the region of a natural cooling mechanism.
Recommendations for Resilience: Investment in Green Infrastructure: Prioritise green spaces, urban forests, and sustainable landscaping to mitigate the urban heat island effect and enhance natural cooling mechanisms within cities.
Adaptive Urban Planning: Integrate climate-resilient design principles into urban planning processes, including the promotion of cool roofing, reflective pavements, and adequate shading to mitigate heat buildup in urban areas.
Enhanced Early Warning Systems:
Strengthen early warning systems to alert communities about impending heat waves, enabling proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
Public Health Interventions: Implement heat health action plans to provide timely medical assistance and public health advisories during heatwave events, emphasising the importance of hydration, shade, and adequate rest.
Promotion of Sustainable Practices:
Encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient cooling technologies, renewable energy sources, and low-carbon transportation, to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and curb the escalation of heat waves.
Community Engagement and Education:
Foster community engagement and awareness campaigns to empower citizens with the knowledge and resources needed to cope with heat waves, including heat-protective behaviours and emergency response protocols.
International Collaboration: Advocate for international cooperation and support to address the root causes of climate change, including mitigation efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation measures to build resilience against extreme heat events.
Conclusion:
As Bangladesh grapples with the escalating threat of heat waves, concerted efforts are needed at local, national, and global levels to mitigate their adverse impacts and build resilience in vulnerable communities. By implementing proactive measures, investing in sustainable infrastructure, and fostering international collaboration, we can confront the challenges posed by climate change and safeguard the well-being of present and future generations. It is imperative to act decisively to combat heat waves and forge a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh and the planet as a whole.
The writer is a Public Health Expert, Associate Professor, CDCH
Messenger/Disha
