57m Bangladeshis severely impacted by extreme heat: Climate Central

Human-caused climate change subjected billions of people worldwide to abnormal heat from June through August this year, with Bangladesh emerging as one of the most severely affected countries, according to a new report.

The report, by international research organization Climate Central released today (17 September), ranks Bangladesh 10th globally in terms of the number of people exposed to dangerous heat. 

In the country, 57 million people or 34% of the population endured more than 30 days of temperatures classified as "risky" to human health. Of these, 30 million people faced an additional 30 days of risky heat directly caused by climate change, the report states.

The Climate Central report ranks Dhaka 10th among the world's megacities, with 52 days where temperatures were made at least twice as likely due to human-caused climate change, according to a press release.

The report provides a detailed look at how major urban centres suffered. According to which, Rangpur saw the most significant temperature anomaly, with temperatures 0.9°C above normal. The city led the country with 37 risky heat days, 24 of which were directly added by climate change. 

Dhaka recorded 52 days where climate change made the heat at least twice as likely. Of its 23 risky heat days, 15 were due to climate change.

Chattogram experienced 59 days with a strong climate change influence (CSI 2+), the highest in the country for this metric. 

Other divisional cities like Khulna, Rajshahi, and Gazipur all showed a clear and measurable impact, with double-digit additions of dangerous heat days.

What is the scenario globally?

Globally, the analysis found that one in five people each day – at least 1.8 billion people – experienced temperatures strongly influenced by climate change. Nearly 955 million people endured more than 30 extra days of risky heat.

Residents of 183 countries experienced at least 30 days of temperatures that were at least twice as likely due to climate change. 

Europe and Asia recorded the highest levels of unusual heat this season.

Dr Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central, said,

"This analysis confirms that the impacts of climate change are no longer a future threat. They are happening now. 

"Extreme heat is already affecting human health, economies, and ecosystems. Delays in reducing carbon emissions will only increase risks and suffering."

The report also highlights how this prolonged heat has fueled extreme weather events worldwide. 

Europe experienced its worst wildfire season on record, Canada its second-worst wildfire year, and the United States suffered catastrophic flooding. 

Even traditionally cooler countries like Finland and Norway recorded consecutive days of record-breaking temperatures. 

This extended heat has intensified disasters such as wildfires and floods across the globe, underlining the urgent need for climate action, the report states.

The report includes country-level data and analysis of 240 countries, territories, and dependencies, city-level data and analysis of 940 cities, US state-level data and analysis as well as interactive maps and rankings for countries and cities across six continents, said the press release.