Bangladesh ranks second globally in temperature rise

Bangladesh now ranks second in the world in terms of rising temperatures, with alarming consequences for public health and the economy, according to a new study unveiled in the capital on Tuesday.

The research, titled “Impact of Heat on Bangladesh’s Health and Economy,” was presented at a high-profile event held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel. Organized with support from the World Bank, the report paints a stark picture of how climate-induced heat is pushing the country toward a public health emergency and economic instability.

Speaking at the event, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, warned of the country’s growing vulnerability due to global warming. Prof. Dr. Syedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, attended as special guest, while World Bank officials Iffat Mahmud and Wameq A. Raza presented the keynote findings.

The study shows that between 1980 and 2023, the maximum temperature in Bangladesh increased by 1.1°C, while the "felt temperature"—a measure that accounts for humidity—rose by 4.5°C.

Dhaka, the capital, recorded the most dramatic change, with a 1.4°C increase in temperature over the same period—well above the national average.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, the years 2015 to 2023 were the nine hottest years globally, with 2023 ranking as the warmest. Bangladesh, particularly its urban centers, has become increasingly susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme heat due to unplanned urbanization, loss of green cover, and concrete-driven development.

The findings show a direct correlation between rising temperatures and the surge in both physical and mental illnesses.

Chronic cough affects 6% of people in summer, compared to 3.3% in winter.

At temperatures above 30°C, the risk of health issues rises by 22.7%.

Diarrheal diseases increase from 1.8% in winter to 4.4% in summer, particularly impacting women and children under five.

Heat-related fatigue affects the elderly and working population the most, with risks rising by 26.5% above 35°C.

Mental health also deteriorates significantly in extreme heat:

Depression rises to 20% in summer from 16.2% in winter.

Anxiety increases from 8.3% to 10%, with even sharper spikes—23.8% and 37.1%, respectively—when temperatures exceed 35°C.

Beyond health, the economic implications are dire. In 2024 alone, heat-related issues caused the loss of 25 million workdays, leading to an estimated financial loss of $1.33 to $1.78 billion—approximately 0.3% to 0.4% of GDP.

Projections suggest that by 2030, the economic loss due to heat could soar to 4.9% of GDP. Worker productivity drops sharply once temperatures cross 37°C, posing serious risks to the country’s labor-intensive sectors.

To mitigate the growing crisis, the report outlines five key recommendations:

Strengthen national preparedness to respond to heatwaves with fast and coordinated action.

Upgrade the health sector with heat-specific emergency facilities and hospital readiness.

Adopt preventive technology such as heat-resilient housing, cooling systems, and shaded work environments.

Improve weather data systems to ensure timely alerts and planning.

Secure international cooperation and funding for climate adaptation, including access to global climate funds and technological support.

Experts emphasized that heatwaves are no longer a seasonal issue but a global health crisis. For a vulnerable nation like Bangladesh, it has become a question of survival.

"Urban planning, greening, healthcare, and policy need to incorporate heat awareness at every level," the report concludes. With political will and international support, Bangladesh can still turn the tide on this growing crisis.