Urban Heat Vulnerability and Health Impact in Bangladesh: A Comparative Scenario of Satkhira and Bagerhat Municipalities

Abstract

Urban areas of Bangladesh are experiencing heat stress due to climate change. This heatstress poses significant risks to human health in urban areas. The study was conductedin the Satkhira and Bagerhat municipalities to explore the impact of urban heat stresson human health and the comparative scenario of health vulnerability in both areas.The study adopted multidisciplinary methods, including secondary literature review,historical time series analysis of temperature and heat waves, Urban Heat Island (UHI)identification, and health vulnerability assessment. The experimental knowledge andexperience of urban citizens were collected through a household survey, focus groupdiscussions, and key informant interviews. The study reveals that health problems areincreasing with the increasing trend of heat stress and the formation of heat islands.In Bagerhat Municipality, health problems are comparatively low because of the lowernumber of heat island formations. There needs to be integration of heat stress managementinto spatial planning, which may entail limiting new development in the municipal areas.Alleviation of the urban heat-island effect by greening areas, providing shade by usinggreen coverage, and restoration of urban forests and water bodies.