Alternative to dependent energy policy is needed

Recently, there has been a surge in extreme heatwaves across the country. This unusual rise in temperature is not limited to Bangladesh; the average temperature is increasing worldwide. Along with the rising heat, adverse effects are impacting human life, nature, and the world of flora and fauna. The intense heatwaves are making life unbearable, leading to power outages due to overloaded grids. Even in the capital city, there are electricity shortages. The situation is even more unbearable in rural areas. Now everyone is eagerly waiting for the rain.

Over the past 15-16 years, the country has significantly increased its capacity to generate electricity, almost by 20,000 megawatts, akin to competing in power generation. However, due to the intense heatwaves, there has been a peak in electricity demand. Accordingly, the government is striving to increase production. Nevertheless, power outages persist across the country.

The current government had promised to deliver electricity to every household, propelling the nation forward. However, unexpectedly, there was a power crisis. During the post-COVID times when the country was preparing to recover from losses, the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted that momentum. Alongside the global surge in oil prices, the prices of gas and coal have also increased multiple times. Consequently, there was load shedding last year. Loadshedding has also started this year.

The people of Bangladesh have been waging a relentless battle throughout the ages against the floods, cyclones, and tide. Now, added to this struggle is the new adversary of intense heatwaves. This surge in temperature is affecting human life significantly. People are becoming exhausted with minimal effort. Animals are suffering from thirst. In some families, children are falling ill with colds and fevers. Seniors are getting sick in the heat.

Doctors are saying that during heatwaves, children, the elderly, and patients with comorbidities (affected by various types of diseases) are more prone to complications. Immediate arrangements for their care are necessary, as there is a risk of major accidents if they are not taken care of promptly. If load shedding increases in such situations, the risk of accidents will further escalate.

The purchase of air conditioning units (ACs) by the affluent is exacerbating outdoor temperatures. To meet the increasing demand for electricity, the government's expenditure on power generation is also rising. Scientists and researchers warn that if this trend of rising temperatures continues, it will be challenging for humans to cope with its effects. We will witness devastating reactions of heat on nature and the environment.Extreme heat will be created.

As climate change is a global issue, its solution and management also need to be global. Only by integrating efforts from around the world and aligning effective policies, plans, and governance methods can effective action be taken. This is the only way there is a possibility of successful implementation.

Especially tall buildings, concrete roads, and ACs have transformed Dhaka into a sweltering urban area. As a result, adverse conditions are worsening. Therefore, for building a sustainable and resilient future for all of us, greater coordination among the government, international and regional organizations, and private sectors is necessary. At the same time, there is no alternative initiative to move the country away from dependency-based energy policies amidst the electricity crisis.