The rising Dhaka temperature: What to do
Even a couple of decades ago, Dhaka’s temperature in summer was within the tolerable limit, but now the city has become one of the hottest places in Bangladesh. In the past years, the highest temperature of the country was recorded above 40 degree C, say for example, in Rajshahi region; Dhaka’s temperature remained within 35/36 degree C. The five degree less temperature in summer kept Dhaka’s atmosphere bearable. But now it is no more.
For the last one decade the temperature gradually rose and this season Dhaka’s temperature, during the last heatwave, rose to 40.6 degrees Celsius, breaking the past 58 years’ record. To get respite from this heat, the financially well-off people are increasingly installing air coolers in their homes that in turn release more heat in the atmosphere.
Therefore, in the years ahead, if environmentally intelligent decisions are not taken to keep a leash on Dhaka’s temperature, the city would be more unlivable. It has already become so because of air and noise pollution.
Environmentalists say climate change-induced global warming contributes to 2-3 degrees Celsius additional temperature in Dhaka during summer time. In the South Asian region, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are experiencing hotter summers because of depleting glaciers and top hills that naturally absorb heat from the atmosphere.
More importantly, according to environmentalists, reduction in the forest or green cover is also greatly responsible for the warmer summers in Dhaka and other urbanised parts of Bangladesh. Environmentalists have pointed out that the parks, regarded as lungs of the capital, are losing their greeneries. The Suhrawardy Uddyan lost at least 40% of its green cover in the last four decades with 30% of the damage occurring in the last 20 years.
A study conducted in 2017-18 found that the place where the trees were cut down extensively felt to be hotter than other places. Therefore, what needs to be done is clear. Dhaka’s greeneries will have to be increased putting a full stop on further cutting of trees. This measure will not only provide less temperature in the summer, but will also ensure pure oxygen for the citizens all through the year.
