Extreme heat exposures cost Bangladesh $1.78b last year in lost productivity: WB report
Bangladesh ranks second globally in exposure to elevated temperatures, and its capital, Dhaka's heat index increased about 65% higher than the national average
Highlights
- Since 1980, Bangladesh's maximum temperature has risen by 1.1°C
- The "feels like" temperature has surged by 4.5°C
- Extreme heat raises conditions like diarrhoea, persistent cough, respiratory diseases, and fatigue
In 2024, heat-related physical and mental health conditions led to a loss of 250 million workdays which cost the economy up to $1.78 billion—around 0.4% of GDP in 2024, says a new World Bank report launched today (16 September).
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With rising temperatures, Bangladesh is facing physical and mental health risks, along with declining productivity leading to economic loss, according to the findings of the report titled "An Unsustainable Life: The Impact of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh," which was unveiled today (16 September).
World Bank analysed national temperature and humidity trends from 1976–2023 and draws from a new two-round 2024 household survey of more than 16,000 people.
Since 1980, Bangladesh's maximum temperature has risen by 1.1°C, while the "feels like" temperature has surged by 4.5°C, triggering a rise in health issues such as diarrhoea, persistent cough, respiratory diseases, and fatigue. Heatwaves also caused mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, reads the report.
"Extreme heat is not just a seasonal inconvenience. Its impact is far-reaching. As we see in Bangladesh that the rising temperature is affecting our health and productivity, and the country's prosperity," said Jean Pesme, World Bank Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan. "By building on its experience in climate adaptation and taking a coordinated approach across sectors, Bangladesh can address the heatwave impacts and maintain sustainable growth. The good news is that it can be done, as seen in countries like Singapore and others."
Bangladesh ranks second globally in exposure to elevated temperatures, and its capital, Dhaka's heat index increased about 65% higher than the national average.
The report shows that health impacts are stark. In summer, cases of diarrhoea and persistent cough double compared to winter. Women are more vulnerable to heat-induced illnesses such as exhaustion and heat stroke. Depression and anxiety increase with heat and are more prevalent in summer. Depression progressively increases with age, while anxiety peaks around 50-65 age group. Productivity loss, due to increased physical and mental health conditions, are higher in summer than in winter.
At the event, the chief guest was Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. Professor Sayedur Rahman, special assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, was also present as a special guest.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, "We need to change our mindset. We must focus on protecting forests around Dhaka. Reducing heat is not impossible. The damage caused by distributing plots to ministers and MPs must now be reversed. Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk)'s building plans must be corrected.
"Once Purbachal's greenery is gone, how will we reduce heat? For such a land-hungry population, stricter control measures and some alternative arrangements are necessary. We must also change our lifestyle. We must determine how many more people Dhaka can accommodate."
She further said, "All agricultural land must be saved, and Dhaka must be decentralised. Citizens must fulfil their responsibilities. It must be decided how much greenery should be maintained at each house."
Prof Sayedur Rahman said, "This report shows how heat affects health and productivity. Dhaka is essentially a heat island, which becomes even more evident when leaving Savar. We need to find ways to prevent this problem. It is an impact of climate change.
"Those who have made negative contributions to climate change must provide funding. In many countries, people have to pay taxes to enter cities. If even a fraction of the financial losses caused by heat could be spent [on development], the situation can improve. We must find ways to at least flatten the rising graph of heat."
"Our analysis shows measurable links between exposure to heat and poorer health outcomes, alongside substantial productivity losses. Like many other countries, Bangladesh faces real risks of lost human capital and productivity," said Iffat Mahmud, senior operations officer, World Bank and co-author of the report. "Evidence-based policies and targeted investment for better adaptation measures can improve well-being and livelihoods and secure a healthy future tomorrow."
The report calls for urgent, coordinated action to protect people, livelihoods, and the economy from escalating heat risks. The report recommends enhancing national preparedness through a multisectoral approach to dealing with heatwaves and equipping health systems to manage heat-related illnesses. Adaptation and preventive measures like creating urban green space and collecting granular and accurate weather and health data to inform decisions will help reduce exposure and risks. In addition, international support and public and private financing for mitigating the impacts of global warming on Bangladesh will be important.
