Prioritising research on climate health in Bangladesh: A vital imperative

In recent years, global attention has overwhelmingly focused on addressing climate change for its environmental and economic implications. However, the equally pressing impact on public health often receives less attention. In Bangladesh, a country uniquely vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events, this issue takes on heightened significance.

Climate change is not just about melting ice caps or extreme weather events in Bangladesh; it profoundly affects human health in ways that are multifaceted and increasingly alarming. Understanding this complex relationship requires rigorous research efforts to illuminate the urgent challenges and needs facing vulnerable populations worldwide, particularly in Bangladesh where the health impacts are pronounced and immediate.

Health impacts

Climate change brings forth a range of health impacts that unfold gradually. Prolonged exposure to air pollution and stress-related illnesses are among the chronic diseases linked to these long-term effects. Research is essential in understanding these impacts, enabling healthcare systems to anticipate future needs and develop preventive health measures.

Additionally, climate change introduces novel health risks, such as the transmission of zoonotic diseases through changes in ecosystems and wildlife migration patterns. Furthermore, climate change significantly affects mental health, contributing to conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD due to natural disasters and environmental changes. Research plays a critical role in comprehending these mental health impacts and guiding strategies for psychological support and resilience-building efforts.

Certain groups, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change. Extreme heatwaves can lead to heatstroke and dehydration, disproportionately affecting these populations. Furthermore, climate change interacts with social determinants of health, exacerbating risks for vulnerable populations.

The health impacts of climate change impose a substantial economic burden on societies. Healthcare costs escalate due to increased hospitalisations for heat-related illnesses, treatment of vector-borne diseases, and managing mental health issues post-disaster.

Income disparities, education levels, housing conditions, and access to healthcare intersect to compound health risks. Researching these intersections helps identify underlying drivers of health disparities and design equitable interventions.

Additionally, climate change disrupts food and water security, impacting nutrition and overall health. Droughts and extreme weather events reduce crop yields and food availability, leading to malnutrition and foodborne diseases. Changes in water quality and quantity further threaten sanitation and access to safe drinking water.

Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation due to climate change also affect human health indirectly but significantly. Healthy ecosystems provide crucial services such as clean air, water purification, and disease regulation. Research into these ecosystem-health connections is vital for protecting these essential services that support human well-being.

Why prioritise research?

Robust research provides the necessary evidence for informed policymaking and adaptation strategies. Understanding regional climate-health vulnerabilities enables governments to prioritise interventions, strengthen healthcare systems, and implement preventive measures like early warning systems for heatwaves and disease outbreaks.

Addressing climate change and its health impacts requires global collaboration and equitable research efforts. Sharing data, best practices, and resources among countries enhances their collective capacity to mitigate health risks and build resilience in vulnerable communities worldwide. Research on climate-health impacts informs adaptation and resilience strategies across various levels. Understanding regional vulnerabilities and effective adaptation measures helps communities prepare for and mitigate health risks associated with climate change.

Moreover, research drives technological and innovative solutions to mitigate climate-health impacts. From climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure to advancements in telemedicine and digital health technologies, research fosters innovation in healthcare adaptation and response. Research findings also raise awareness about the health impacts of climate change among the public and policymakers. Educating communities about these risks promotes behavioural changes and advocacy for climate action, fostering a collective response to protect public health.

Research caveats

In Bangladesh, researching the impact of climate change on public health faces numerous constraints that collectively impede comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation strategies. Foremost among these challenges is the issue of inadequate funding and limited resources allocated to such interdisciplinary research endeavors.

The scarcity of financial support hampers large-scale studies, data collection efforts, and the implementation of robust analytical methods needed to assess the complex interactions between climate dynamics and public health outcomes.

Moreover, there exists a critical shortage of skilled researchers with expertise spanning both climate science and public health, exacerbated by insufficient training programs and educational opportunities in these interdisciplinary fields. Compounding these challenges is the difficulty in accessing and utilising reliable data.

Bangladesh struggles with the availability of comprehensive, localised data on climate variables, health impacts, and socio-economic indicators, which are crucial for conducting precise analysis and developing targeted interventions.

Infrastructure deficiencies pose another significant barrier.

Bangladesh's limited research infrastructure, including meteorological stations and health surveillance systems, constrains the collection of real-time data and the implementation of monitoring and early warning systems for climate-related health hazards. Socio-economic factors, such as widespread poverty and disparities in access to healthcare, exacerbate the population's vulnerability to climate impacts, complicating efforts to address health disparities exacerbated by climate change.

Institutional support and governance frameworks further lag behind, lacking the necessary coordination between government agencies, research institutions, and NGOs to facilitate collaborative research efforts effectively. This institutional weakness impedes the integration of research findings into evidence-based policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating climate-related health risks.

Addressing these multifaceted challenges demands concerted efforts to enhance research capacity, improve data accessibility and quality, strengthen institutional frameworks, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. By overcoming these constraints, Bangladesh can better prepare for and mitigate the health impacts of climate change, safeguarding the well-being of its population in the face of a changing climate landscape.

Ultimately, prioritising climate health research in Bangladesh is not just a scientific imperative but a moral obligation. It entails safeguarding the well-being of millions from the escalating health threats posed by a changing climate. By overcoming challenges through concerted efforts and global cooperation, Bangladesh can pave the way towards a healthier and more resilient future amidst the realities of climate change.

Tanvir Ahmad is a Climate Change & Public Health Researcher at icddr,b.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.