Rise of temperature and pollution

The atmosphere temperature has been increasing and all the consequences are becoming obvious around the world. It is no more a news. However, how the rise of temperature in our country impacts our everyday livelihood and health has so far been unclear. A World Bank-supported study analysed data on national temperature and humidity trends for the period from 1976 to 2023. The results of the studies were published on September 16, 2024 in the report titled ‘An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh’.

As per the report ‘Since 1980,  Bangladesh’s maximum temperature has increased by 1.1 degree celsius, while the ‘feels like temperature’ has surged in the country by 4.5 degree celsius, triggering a rise in health issues such as diarrhea, persistant cough, respiratory diseases and fatigue’. The report further elaborated that extreme heat (above 37 degree celsius) was not a seasonal discomfort but also invited far-reaching impacts including people’s mental health issues, depression, anxiety, economic productivity loss and prosperity. The increased heat and people’s poor health due to exposer has measurable links. The study report reveals that increased heat related impacts led to a loss of 250 million workdays in 2024 for the country, which had an estimated cost for economy at around $1.33-$1.78 billion dollars. Currently, Bangladesh ranks second globally in terms of temperature rise and Dhaka has been suffering most. As per the study reports, Dhaka’s heat index is 65 per cent higher than the country’s national average. The WB study recommended for urgent, coordinated actions to protect people from increased heat impact and for their livelihoods. It further calls for enhancing national preparedness to deal with health systems to manage heat related illnesses. Gathering systematic and accurate weather and health data gathering may help for finding appropriate adaptation techniques and preventive measures to heat exposer risks. Bangladesh also needs international support for improving urban environment, creating healthy cities and towns, for getting access to technology and adequate infrastructure for mitigating global warming impacts.

Temperature rise in the atmosphere invites comparatively lower adverse impacts for rich countries. But the increased hit disproportionately affects poor nations. In addition, increased heat and climate change affect food grain productivity globally resulting in price increase. The poor nations, dependent on food grain import, suffer severely due to price increase. Thus, the climate change impacts in one part of the world can cause serious impacts on other parts of the world.

Increase of temperature and humidity has been raising the demand for air conditioning and refrigeration requirements. Published reports suggest that power consumption for air conditioning and refrigeration has been rising fast worldwide. As per available information, the United States use as much electricity for keeping buildings cool as the whole of Africa uses for all possible needs. China and India have been catching up the US electricity consumption. Demand for cold interior and a rapidly growing middle class population in the developing countries have been pushing up air conditioning needs. City like Mumbai in India consumes approximately 40 per cent of its total consumed power for air conditioning. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia burns one billion barrels of oil a year for air conditioning needs.  The Netherland Environment Assessment Agency research predicts that by the year close to 2060, people will use more energy worldwide for cooling than heating. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that for residential air conditioning needs alone, power consumption will rise from 300 terawatt-hours a year in 2000 to 4000 terawatt-hour in 2025 and 10,000-terawatt hour in 2100.

But energy use for supporting cooling systems (air conditioning and refrigeration) pollute the environment both for generating electric energy and by leaking refrigerant gases resulting in cumulatively increasing Green House gases in the atmosphere.

Unplanned urbanisation leads loss of wetlands and green coverage. Haphazard structures/buildings absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes. In the urban areas a ‘Heat Island Effect’ starts acting where green coverage is limited, and buildings, roads, and high energy consuming commercial infrastructures are concentrated. This urban ‘Heat Island Effect’ releases higher temperatures to surrounding areas compared to outlying areas. The buildings and infrastructure use more air conditioning facilities for cooling, and due to heated environment and Heat Island Effect, more and more air-conditioning is required. Considering the cost and adverse environmental impacts (both domestic and global), Bangladesh’s development strategies demand radical review. Vegetation with trees and green roof, conserving forest and green coverage and water bodies in urban areas, efficient building design may help improve our microclimates and physical comforts.

Mushfiqur Rahman is a mining engineer. He writes on energy and environment. mushfiq41@yahoo.com

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