The intense heat wave over the past few days has caused anguish and discomfort to people all across Bangladesh.
In the 24 hours till Monday, Dinajpur recorded the highest temperature of the country at 41.1°C.
Dhaka is not far behind, grappling with a moderate heat wave. The city's current temperature is fluctuating between 39 and 40°C.
A study by Australia's Curtin University has projected that Dhaka's temperature may surge by 5°C in the coming 20 years.
Given the current temperature's distressing effects on city inhabitants, a further increase of 5°C within two decades could potentially push temperatures to a blistering 46°C.
The burning question remains: If no measures are taken to curb the rising temperatures, how will Dhaka sustain its habitability?
Plastic as a significant regulator of temperature increase
Over the past century, there has been a 1°C rise in the earth's temperature - a trend that environmental experts find deeply troubling.
This surge in temperature has triggered a chain reaction, initiating the melting of the polar ice caps at both ends of the earth.
This, in turn, has led to a noticeable rise in sea levels, putting countries such as Bangladesh in grave danger.
Environmentalists say a significant regulator of this temperature increase is plastic.
Despite observing World Environment Day under the slogan, "Beat Plastic Pollution", both the government's regulatory efforts and citizens' willingness to abstain from plastic usage remain insufficient in Bangladesh, including its capital Dhaka.
As a result, the temperature in the whole country is continuously rising.
The study also mentioned that if the rate at which the temperature is increasing in various cities of Bangladesh continues, five major cities, including the capital Dhaka, will become uninhabitable in the next few years.
Researchers believe that if the current trend is not controlled, the difference between day and night temperatures in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna and Rajshahi — these four divisional cities — will decrease, resulting in a constant feeling of heat.
Air pollution alongside plastic responsible for heatwave
A study by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) reveals that air pollution, in addition to plastic, is responsible for climate change, which is causing the ongoing severe heat wave across the country.
Dust particles and polluted gases possess the capacity to absorb heat. As a result, dust particles and gaseous substances in the highly polluted air are absorbing solar heat, playing a role in creating a heat flow.
Additionally, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide contribute to the temperature increase.
Therefore, reducing air pollution is crucial to controlling the rise in temperature.
The recent COP27 (United Nations Climate Change Conference, 2022) highlighted the issue of reducing the earth's temperature.
Scientists at the conference cautioned that if the earth's temperature rises further, it could become even more catastrophic.
Consequently, controlling the temperature has become an immediate necessity.
What do experts say?
Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, founder of the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) and dean of the environmental science department at Stamford University, shared alarming information that around 20-30% of the total waste in Dhaka city is plastic.
“It is concerning that where waste is being burnt, plastic is also being burnt which is increasing air pollution. Moreover, the burned parts of plastic mix with soil and water, damaging the fertility of the soil and the quality of the water. This prevents water from seeping into the soil, causing the earth to heat up,” he said.
Mentioning that plastic is a major cause behind today's rising temperatures, Dr Kamruzzaman emphasized the importance of preserving buildings and water bodies to reduce temperature.
Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa) General Secretary Sharif Jamil said it takes 300-400 years for a single-use plastic item to decompose once it is discarded on the ground.
“Until then, the natural processes of that area stop for 300-400 years. All the activities, including the characteristics of the soil, heat absorption capacity, tree plantation, and greening, come to a halt,” he shared.
“This results in less rainfall, reduced oxygen and increased air pollution,” said Sharif Jamil.
“Polythene was banned in our country a long time ago to reduce this adverse reaction on the environment. But sadly, though laws exist in our country, they are not implemented because no law is made with a holistic plan,” he lamented.
Sharif Jamil further said: "Because of this plastic pollution, the absorption capacity of the soil has decreased. In recent years, the temperature has increased at an abnormal rate, and Dhaka's temperature is always higher compared to the surrounding districts. If this situation continues, Dhaka city will become uninhabitable."