Outline

Topic: Barning Issue: Examining the Causes and

Effects of Heatwaves in Bangladesh.

a) Causes:
1) Climate change.
2) Deforestation.
3) Urbanization.

b) Effects:
1)Temperatures rise.
2)Health risks.
3)Economic loss.

Thesis statement: This essay will continue the

investigation that is needed to gain comprehensive
insights into the various details of heatwaves in
Bangladesh, thereby clarifying both causes and
impacts.
Barning issue: Examining the Causes and Effects of Heatwaves in Bangladesh

The problem of excessive heat has been a great problem worldwide for several
years currently. It is well established that extreme heat poses a serious health risk,
causing many excess deaths each year (Nissan et al., 2017). Heat waves were
responsible for 4 of the 10 deadliest natural disasters in 2015, with South Asian
heat waves ranking third and fourth by mortality (UNISDR et al. 2015). It comes
into focus periodically as soon as the summer season arrives, especially in
Bangladesh. Huq says Bangladesh is a country that is seriously threatened by
climate change (2001) and the anticipation of increased frequency and intensity of
heat waves is a direct result of climate change. In the middle of the backdrop of
shifting climate patterns, communities in Bangladesh have found themselves
grappling with the consequences of environmental instability. People have
witnessed a noticeable increase in dire weather events like extreme heat. Despite
heatwaves being one of the most common natural hazards experienced across
Bangladesh, the populace of this nation appears largely indifferent, exhibiting a
lack of proactive measures to mitigate this inherent disaster. Indifference like this
has not only worsened the vulnerability of communities but also emphasizes the
urgent need for comprehensive awareness campaigns and proactive governmental
initiatives to address this pressing issue. This essay will continue the investigation
that is needed to gain comprehensive insights into the various details of heatwaves
in Bangladesh, thereby clarifying both causes and impacts.

Heatwaves in Bangladesh are mostly caused by a confluence of human and natural

factors, including geography, urbanization, deforestation, and climate change.
These factors all play a role in the occurrence and severity of heatwaves. The
global temperature rise brought on by greenhouse gas emissions is the main cause
of heatwave intensification (Huq, 2001). Extreme heat events like heatwaves are a
result of the general warming trend caused by these emissions, which trap heat in
the atmosphere. In Bangladesh, unplanned urbanization greatly increases the
intensity of heatwaves. According to Dewan (2023), these surfaces trap warmth
and raise temperatures inside city limits by absorbing and holding onto heat. This
effect is most noticeable in Dhaka, the major city with a dense population, where
temperatures are much higher than rural areas. Urban landscapes are less effective
at absorbing and retaining heat than rural ones because of their profusion of
concrete, asphalt, and buildings. The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon that
causes temperatures in cities to be considerably higher than in nearby rural areas
(The Financial Express, 2023). Heatwaves are additionally made worse by
deforestation and the loss of natural green spaces. Through evapotranspiration,
trees and other vegetation cool the surrounding air and offer shade. As the amount
of greenery decreases, the land surface heats up more quickly, raising the overall
temperature (Mongabay, 2023). For Bangladesh, the sum of these variables
presents a worrying image. When local environmental changes are combined with
the growing heat burden brought on by climate change, the conditions are ideal for
increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves that could have disastrous effects.

Heat waves can have serious effects in Bangladesh, especially as temperatures rise
due to climate change (Smith et al., 2020) which leads to rising global
temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. As temperatures rise,
vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and those with pre-existing
health conditions face increased risks of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion
and heatstroke (Jones & Horton, 2019). Moreover, occupational injuries escalate
during heat waves as workers engage in physically demanding tasks in extremely
hot conditions, worsening the impact on both human health and productivity.
Beyond the immediate health concerns, heat waves also inflict substantial
economic losses, disrupting various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and
manufacturing. Crops wither in the scorching sun, livestock suffer, and tourism
falters as people seek refuge indoors, all contributing to decreased productivity and
increased financial strain. Additionally, the strain on resources intensifies as water
demand surges, exacerbating water scarcity issues in already stressed regions.
Furthermore, heat waves place immense pressure on energy and transportation
systems, often resulting in power shortages and transportation disruptions, further
hampering social functioning. These cascading effects highlight the
interconnectedness of heat waves and society, underscoring the urgent need for
climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to safeguard human well-being.

In conclusion, heatwaves represent a multifaceted challenge with far-reaching

implications for society, as evidenced by their detrimental effects on health, the
economy, and infrastructure (Smith et al., 2020). The nexus between climate
change and human activities exacerbates the frequency and severity of heatwaves,
with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of these impacts (Jones & Patel,
2018). As demonstrated in the case of Bangladesh, urbanization, deforestation, and
climate change intertwine to create a perfect storm of extreme heat, particularly in
densely populated areas like Dhaka (Ahmed et al., 2019). Urgent action is
imperative to address these intertwined challenges, necessitating a comprehensive
approach that integrates climate adaptation and mitigation strategies with
sustainable urban planning and conservation efforts. Efforts must focus on
enhancing resilience among vulnerable communities, improving early warning
systems, and implementing heatwave preparedness plans to minimize the adverse
effects on human health and well-being (IPCC, 2014). Moreover, sustainable land
management practices and reforestation initiatives can help mitigate the urban heat
island effect and restore ecological balance (UNEP, 2021). Collaboration among
governments, policymakers, researchers, and civil society is paramount to fostering
innovation and enacting policy measures that promote climate resilience and
sustainable development. By prioritizing proactive measures and collective action,
we can mitigate the impacts of heatwaves and build a more resilient and equitable
society for future generations.

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