Last year, Bangladesh faced a $1.8 billion heat-related financial setback, as reported by the World Bank.
Rising Heat Waves Pose Significant Threat to Bangladesh's Health and Economy
A new report by the World Bank has highlighted the escalating climate risks facing Bangladesh, particularly the impact of heatwaves on public health and the economy.
The report, released on Tuesday, predicts that heat-related illnesses and productivity losses in Bangladesh will cost the economy up to $1.78 billion in 2024. This equates to about 0.4% of the country's GDP.
The report emphasises the need for improved data collection in Bangladesh and the strengthening of health systems to combat the surge in diarrhea, respiratory problems, fatigue, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, and other heat-related health issues that have been on the rise.
Women and older people are particularly at risk from these health issues, with the report highlighting the far-reaching impact of the rising temperature. In 2024 alone, heat-related physical and mental health conditions in Bangladesh are expected to wipe out 25 million workdays.
The report also suggests a coordinated approach across sectors as a key strategy for Bangladesh to address heatwave impacts. Expansion of urban green spaces is recommended to address heatwave impacts in Bangladesh's urban areas, where the heat index is rising 65% faster than the national average, with Dhaka, the capital city, being one of the world's most heat-stressed cities.
The report provides examples of countries like Singapore that have successfully addressed escalating climate risks. Countries like Singapore can serve as examples for Bangladesh in addressing these challenges, the report suggests.
International financing is recommended as a means to help Bangladesh adapt to these escalating climate risks. Organisations providing international financing to support Bangladesh in managing rising climate risks include the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through mechanisms like the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), the Santiago Network, and the Global Shield against Climate Risks. Germany, alongside countries such as France, Ireland, Denmark, Canada, the USA, Japan, Luxembourg, and the EU Commission, contributes to these efforts, collectively providing substantial funds and expertise to strengthen climate resilience and disaster response in vulnerable countries including Bangladesh.
Jean Pesme, the World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan, stated that extreme heat in Bangladesh is affecting health, productivity, and the country's prosperity. The report urges international financing to help Bangladesh adapt to these escalating climate risks and maintain sustainable growth by building on its climate adaptation experience and taking a coordinated approach across sectors.
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