With a mild heatwave sweeping across Bangladesh, our vulnerability to climate change and unchecked urbanization has never been more starkly evident. Rising temperatures and worsening air quality demand urgent action, and the creation of dedicated green spaces can be considered a bulwark against rapidly deteriorating quality of life in our urban centres.
Dhaka’s rapid expansion has come at the cost of its wetlands, parks, and tree cover, exacerbating the urban heat island effect as concrete and asphalt absorb heat, making the city hotter than surrounding areas. Combined with global warming, this has turned Dhaka into a veritable pressure cooker during summers, with heatwaves growing more intense. Meanwhile, the city’s air quality remains among the worst globally, with vehicular emissions, industrial pollutants, and construction dust releasing fine particulate matter which pose severe health risks for all living beings.
Green spaces, then, offer a natural solution.
Trees and vegetation absorb carbon dioxide, filter pollutants, and release oxygen, acting as the city’s lungs. They also mitigate the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling. Beyond environmental benefits, green spaces improve mental and physical health, offering residents a respite from urban chaos.
However, Dhaka’s limited land availability poses challenges. Innovative solutions such as rooftop gardens, vertical greenery, and revitalizing neglected spaces can help. Integrating green spaces into urban planning and enforcing strict preservation policies are essential steps.
Other cities, like Singapore and New York, have shown that urban greenery is achievable even in dense environments. Dhaka can and must follow suit. The choice is clear: We can either suffocate under unchecked expansion or breathe new life through green spaces.
For the sake of its people and future, Dhaka’s green transformation must begin now.
