Bangladesh a health risk hot spot as climate change impacts accelerate

In March and April 2025, Bangladesh experienced severe climate-related challenges, highlighting the escalating impacts of global warming on the nation.

Currently (April 2025), Bangladesh is experiencing a mild heat wave, with temperatures approximately reaching 38°C across multiple districts. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, a mild heat wave is considered when maximum temperature stays between 36 and 37.9 degrees Celsius while moderate heat wave has the mercury between 38 and 39.9 degrees Celsius, and severe heat wave between 40 and 41.9 degrees Celsius. Above 42 degrees Celsius is considered very severe heat wave.

These heatwaves, intensified by human-induced climate change, have become 45 times more likely compared to historical patterns. This unprecedented heat can lead to widespread chronic health issues including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations.

A study by the Grantham Research Institute and the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy highlighted a 148% surge in heat-related fatalities among individuals aged 65 and above between 2017 and 2021, resulting in 1,430 deaths. Infants endured 12 extra days of heatwaves during the summer of 2021 due to a temperature increase of 0.49°C.

Furthermore, climate-induced disasters such as droughts, floods, and cyclones have severely impacted Bangladesh’s public health infrastructure and have increased the spread of waterborne and infectious diseases. These events have destroyed land, damaged health facilities, and harmed communities, particularly affecting the young, elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Bangladesh’s consistently high air pollution levels contribute to increased mortality rates from respiratory infections, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

These events underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and resilience-building measures to safeguard Bangladesh’s population’s health against the growing threats of climate change.

Read more about health risks here.

Read more about heat stress here.

Read more about extreme weather here.