Staff Reporter :
The United Nations (UN) has sounded the alarm on escalating heatwaves becoming a global health crisis according to a recent report. Day temperature in Bangladesh may rise slightly and night temperature may remain nearly unchanged over the country.
These extreme temperature events, more perilous than natural disasters like wildfires or hurricanes, have claimed a significant toll on human lives.
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, highlighted that recent days have seen record-breaking heat globally, with temperatures surpassing 50 degrees Celsius in various regions.
He attributed these phenomena to climate change, emphasizing their deadly impact.
Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places of Bangladesh over three divisions and at one or two places over five divisions with moderately heavy falls at places over earlier three divisions.
“Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely to occur at many places over Khulna, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at one or two places over Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka and Barishal divisions with moderately heavy falls at places over Khulna, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions,” said a met office forecast for the next 24 hours begins from 9am on Friday, reports BSS.
Guterres stressed that heatwaves pose a severe threat, causing more deaths annually than cyclones. Between 2000 and 2019 alone, over 4.89 million deaths were attributed to heatwaves, contrasting with approximately 16,000 deaths per year from cyclones on average.
Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk.
He also noted disruptions to food security due to the heatwave’s effects.
Addressing the urgency, Guterres called for enhanced global efforts to mitigate heatwave risks, including improved early warning systems and infrastructure adjustments in urban areas.
He underscored the need for countries to prioritize measures that could potentially save 980,000 lives annually if heatwave preparedness is effectively strengthened across 57 countries.
Looking forward, the UN has set ambitious goals, advocating for carbon neutrality by 2050 to curb climate change impacts and potentially improve environmental conditions. Guterres concluded that concerted international action is crucial to mitigate the escalating threat posed by heatwaves and safeguard global health.