A recent report by Zero Carbon Analytics has warned that Bangladesh’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG) expansion will exacerbate heat stress in the country, impacting human health, labor productivity, income, and overall economic growth.
The report said that Bangladesh is predicted to experience more frequent and severe heat waves, which have been shown to increase mortality rates. The reliance on imported LNG means that the impacts of the current energy crisis have been acute, with widespread power cuts hitting both industrial production and the availability of air conditioning during hot weather. The report highlights that those exposed to heat stress can suffer from respiratory problems, leading to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and long-term health issues. Bangladesh is on the front line of climate change, and 56% of the population lives in areas with high exposure to climate change, compared to a global average of 14%. In 2022 alone, over 7.1 million Bangladeshis were displaced by climate change.
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