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 heat stress poses significant risks to human health in urban areas. The study was conducted in the Satkhira and Bagerhat municipalities to explore the impact of urban heat stress on 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 and experience of urban citizens were collected through a household survey, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The study reveals that health problems are increasing with the increasing trend of heat stress and the formation of heat islands. In Bagerhat Municipality, health problems are comparatively low because of the lower number of heat island formations. There needs to be integration of heat stress management into 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 using green coverage, and restoration of urban forests and water bodies.