Yearly heat adaptation strategies for Bangladesh an investment in future

During the summer, cities across Bangladesh are scalded by the sun shedding scorching rays, forcing Bangladesh to face an uncomfortable truth: the country is increasingly dealing with extremely regular and devastating heat waves. 

As a result of the extreme temperatures across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna across the last decade, there have been health risks, economic losses, and daily disruptions along the way. In the face of global climate change, Bangladesh's built environment-its buildings, homes, and public spaces-will need to adapt not only once, but for the rest of its existence as well.

It is not possible to solve the current situation simply by reacting to heat waves as they occur. As part of a proactive human adaptation strategy, we need to pay attention to how our architecture and urban environments are designed, renovated, and lived in on a regular basis. Unless our cities adapt consistently, they will become hotter and more hostile, especially for the elderly, children, and low-income communities.

A primary reason for the importance of yearly adaptation is that climate change is a dynamic process. The temperature is rising unpredictably, and the urban heat island effect is growing stronger every year. There is a possibility that buildings designed five years ago will no longer provide adequate protection against the heat. The solutions of yesterday may become today's problems if they are not assessed and modified regularly. Consider Bangladeshi rural houses as an example. 

When these homes were built with thatched roofs, mud walls, and wide verandahs, they provided natural cooling with minimal energy consumption. During heat waves, concrete traps heat inside homes, making indoor temperatures unbearable. As part of a yearly strategy, heat-reflective paints, green roofs, better ventilation, and shading devices such as canopies or extended eaves could be retrofitted on existing buildings.

Internationally, cities such as Ahmedabad in India have shown how annual planning saves lives. Following a deadly heat wave in 2010, Ahmedabad launched its Heat Action Plan, which is reviewed and updated every year. As part of the plan, awareness campaigns will be conducted, building materials will be modified, cooling centers will be constructed, and early warning systems will be installed. As a result, heat-related deaths have significantly decreased in the city. 

By tailoring such examples to local needs, materials, and traditions, Bangladesh can learn from such examples. Architecture plays a crucial role in human adaptation to heat. Every year, we should review our building codes and design guidelines in light of the most recent research on heat-resilient design. 

As an example, buildings can be oriented to minimize direct sun exposure, incorporate cross-ventilation, and use local, breathable materials. In extreme temperatures, schools, hospitals, and markets should be prioritized to ensure their safety.

There are already simple but effective architectural strategies available. Australian cities like Melbourne are promoting the use of light-colored roofs and pavements to reflect more sunlight and reduce surface temperatures. 

In Dhaka and other cities, architects and planners could lead local campaigns promoting heat-safe construction. In addition, cities need to protect and expand their open spaces. A park, a lake, or a green corridor are not just aesthetic features; they are critical systems for cooling urban areas. 

It would be useful to hold annual urban design competitions to encourage architects and students to think outside the box when it comes to keeping public spaces cool and accessible during hot weather.

In addition to being people-centered, yearly adaptation strategies must also be based on research. In addition to policymakers, homeowners, masons, and local builders should be targeted with awareness campaigns. A simple workshop on passive cooling techniques or subsidized programs for installing shading devices can make a huge difference at the ground level. 

Community-driven initiatives, such as Japanese "green curtain" projects, encourage citizens to grow vines along building facades, naturally cooling homes and reducing energy consumption. Bangladesh's cities are growing rapidly, but they need to do so in a smart way. 

Heat adaptation plans can act as a reminder and a roadmap, pushing city authorities to incorporate heat adaptation into housing projects, transportation hubs, and even public events. It's important to evaluate what worked, what didn't, and what new challenges have emerged each year. Learning and acting continuously are essential to surviving the intensifying effects of climate change.

According to climate forecasts, Bangladesh will experience longer and hotter summers in the future. Without yearly adaptation planning, our cities risk becoming unlivable heat traps. However, by combining architectural innovation and community involvement, we can create urban environments that not only withstand the heat but also ensure the well-being and comfort of citizens.

When the climate is changing so rapidly in a country such as Bangladesh, we must evolve the built environment as quickly as possible. In the long run, yearly adaptation is not a burden—it is an investment in the future. 

The buildings and cities that surround us must breathe, shade, cool, and protect us, not let us down when we are in need. Ensure the safety, sustainability, and strength of cities for future generations by starting today, and revisiting and refining our strategies every year.

Dr Sajal Chowdhury is an architect, educator and Head at the Department of Architecture, CUET and researcher focusing on Environmental Experience Design, IEQ, Architectural Science and Well-being.