By Muhammad Taher, Duyog Nivaran, Bangladesh

Introduction

Several factors, alongside climate change, are responsible for rising levels of heat and heat-related stress among disadvantaged communities living in coastal areas. In Bangladesh, the spread of urbanization, industrial growth, and deforestation in the coastal belt are believed to be key contributors to this phenomenon. Over the past decade, the country has experienced significant infrastructural development in coastal districts, including factories, power plants, cyclone centers, roads, and numerous new buildings. The combined effects of these actions are causing heat stress in these areas, leading to serious economic and public health concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups. However, we believe that the situation can be significantly improved by raising awareness and adopting green, nature-based solutions (NBS) following an Early Warning System (EWS) approach, as explained below.

During the recently concluded Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR 2024) in Manila, the importance of EWS was emphasized in a number of deliberations to “accelerate disaster risk reduction.” In this brief note, we propose using the EWS framework to address concerns related to heatwaves. While it is based on the experiences of Bangladesh, it should also reflect issues and situations across the Asia-Pacific region due to their many similarities.

An Under-reported Disaster

Unlike other hazards in coastal areas, the increasing level of oppressive heat receives relatively less attention compared to cyclones and floods. When asked to share their assessments of the most striking examples of climate change, local residents often mention the rise in temperature during the summer months and its effects on their lives. Beyond its impact on health and hygiene, heat stress degrades the overall quality of life, including economic productivity. Yet, there seems to be limited understanding and concern about this phenomenon among people and authorities. Consequently, the desired level of focus on mitigation and adaptation remains inadequate. This slow onset and persistent menace of heat causes immense suffering to people, many of whom find it difficult to avert heat-related stresses.

In the coastal region, limited access to potable water and inadequate tree coverage make life extremely challenging, especially when compared to other parts of the country. Residents struggle with intense heat and high humidity, particularly during the Bengali months of Boishakh (April-May) to Kartik (September-October). This oppressive weather often disrupts work, especially for those who rely on fishing and agriculture. Additionally, some individuals report that heat stress negatively impacts their livelihoods, affecting their field crops and livestock. Many people in coastal areas rely on rearing livestock (like buffalo and cattle), in addition to fishing and producing field crops. The lack of water and oppressive heat throughout much of the year reduces the productivity of these essential livelihood assets.

EWS Approach to Address Heat

By adapting the Early Warning Systems approach, we can address the problem by focusing on improving knowledge and information about heat stress, forecasting heat spikes based on data analysis, disseminating actionable warnings in a timely manner, and assisting all stakeholders (including concerned authorities) in preparing to respond to these warnings. Like an effective EWS system, we need to coordinate heat response actions in an organized manner. Below are the three key steps (following the four key elements of EWS) we suggest for this purpose:

1. Enhancing Knowledge and Awareness: We know that adaptation measures to combat climate change impacts can play a vital role in mitigating various aspects of climate risks. However, people’s understanding of increasing heat stress and its connection to human actions is often unclear. Therefore, we need expert advice on the causes of rising heat, its impact on health and productivity, and how we can protect ourselves (both humans and animals) from exposure to extreme heat. We also need to identify effective solutions that individuals and institutions can adopt.
2. Data Monitoring and Forecasting: Based on monitoring results of heat data, we need to analyze and make forecasts about heat spikes and their possible consequences. We require well-developed heat forecasting and information dissemination mechanisms to inform and educate people about the different aspects of heat hazards. Developing and producing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials will help disseminate knowledge on how various locally available and appropriate technologies can be introduced to cope with the situation. For this purpose, organizing awareness-raising meetings with community groups may be necessary.
3. Coordinated Response Planning: Lastly, we need to unify our efforts regarding how we respond personally and institutionally to mitigate and reduce heat risks. In other words, government agencies and NGOs should prepare their “preparedness” plans to respond to the warnings received—both during and before hazards strike. The goal should be to provide people with relief from oppressive heat while also helping to establish a balanced ecological order in coastal areas. We conclude this note with the following recommendations:

• Adopt mandatory nature-based solutions (NBS) for all infrastructure-building programs.
• Launch a massive reforestation program to increase tree coverage and establish coastal green belts.
• Create low-cost heat shelters (cooling centers) for people and animals in remote areas.
• Ensure the provision of drinking water in marketplaces and remote areas.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.