Heatwave: Situation could worsen due to fossil fuel, LNG

Following the growing reliance on fossil fuels and LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) for power production, Bangladesh could experience worsening heat stress in the coming days, says a global report.

Zero Carbon Analytics, an international research group that deals with insights and analysis on climate change and energy transition, came up with the prediction in a report published on May 9.

The report says the repeated spell of heatwaves will increase the mortality rate by as much as 31.3 percent with every one Celsius Degree increase in the universal thermal climate index. Elderly and children with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to the heatwaves.

The impact of heatwaves, the report elaborates, will cause reduced productivity, absenteeism and long-term health issues. The report found Bangladesh at risk of losing most working hours due to heat stress in South Asia. Vulnerable communities are most prone to bear the brunt of the heat stress both physically and economically.

"Now the country loses 254 hours per person annually due to the rising temperature. It could reach 573 hours per capita if the temperature rises by 2 degrees Celsius", the report predicted.

It also warned that heat stress will dent the national GDP as Bangladesh is projected to lose 4.9 percent of its GDP by 2030, which is equal to $ 95.75 billion.

The platform recommended that Bangladesh reduces its use of fossil fuel and LNG. "Renewable energy represents a far better alternative to gas power and LNG import offering cheaper and reliable energy sources," the report mentioned.