Policy Brief Summary
Urban Heat in Khulna & Satkhira
Urban Heat Islands (UHI) in Khulna and Satkhira have sharply increased (1994–2024), driving higher land surface temperatures and frequent heatwaves. These cause severe health risks (heat stroke, dehydration, hypertension, dengue) and lost livelihoods, especially for vulnerable groups like infants, elderly, and informal workers.
Bangladesh has no heat adaptation plan. Urgent actions needed:
- Urban design: green spaces, NbS, climate-smart housing.
- Public health: cooling centers, stronger healthcare, social protection.
- Governance: city-specific Heat Action Plans and early warning systems.
Acknowledgment: Supported by American Red Cross & Climate Bridge Fund.
Policy Brief Summary
Urban Resilience in Bangladesh: PRACTICES, GAPS, AND WAY FORWARD
Bangladesh, one of the world’s most densely populated countries, is rapidly urbanizing, with nearly half its population projected to live in cities by 2050. This urban growth coincides with intensifying climate impacts, including flooding, heat stress, waterlogging, and disease outbreaks. Climate-induced displacement from rural regions is increasing population pressure in cities,
To address these challenges, Bangladesh has developed several key frameworks:
National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023–2050
Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP, 2009),
Delta Plan 2100 and Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan (2020),
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) leads coordination with other ministries and local governments. City corporations and municipalities are responsible for on-ground adaptation, though their limited resources constrain effectiveness. Community participation and civil society engagement are critical but often underutilized.
Initiatives such as the Urban Resilience Project (URP) and ICLEI’s Climate-Resilient City Action Plan (CRCAP) in Rajshahi exemplify efforts to improve disaster preparedness, promote green spaces, and integrate climate considerations into urban planning.
Despite progress, significant gaps remain, including insufficient data and funding, poor coordination, weak municipal capacity, inadequate services in urban slums, and limited community engagement. Strengthening data systems, financing, inter-agency coordination, and local participation is essential for building climate-resilient and inclusive cities in Bangladesh.
Acknowledgment: Supported by Climate Bridge Fund & BRAC