The recent bouts of extreme heat over Bangladesh are happening due to climate change and the data on the impact of heat waves on biodiversity is not adequate to take precautionary measures, said experts at a webinar.
Participants made a call for awareness at a webinar organised by the Society of Experts on Environment Development (SEED). General Secretary of SEED Dr Nurul Quadir moderated the event.
Dr Md. Shameem Hassan Bhuiyan, Head of the International and Agrometeorology Division, presented the keynote presentation of the webinar titled 'Recent Scenario of Extreme Heat Events over Bangladesh Due to Climate Change.'
He attributed the recent scenario of extreme heat events over Bangladesh to climate change.
He said a recent study showed temperatures are rising across the globe and breaking records everywhere, saying that “the South-West region of Bangladesh is facing more extreme heat waves than any other part of the country.”
Muqeed Majumdar Babu, Chairman, Prokriti O Jibon Foundation said adequate data on the impact of heat waves on biodiversity is not sufficient.
M. Asaduzzaman, Professorial Fellow, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) discussed heat wave impacts on agriculture, adding that the heat wave causes a trend of rising temperature and uncertain rainfall.
He also stated that insufficient rainfall will affect Boro plantation. He recommended the use of more surface water than groundwater.
Shahjahan Kabir, DG, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) said that the physiological process of food crops like rice has been hampered by the excess heat wave and planting times of crops are changing their current pattern.
He emphasised bringing a new variety of rice depending on the day's length.
Speakers said that in terms of vulnerability to work hours and productivity loss due to global warming Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country in Asia after India and China.
Dr Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, BRAC University said that heat waves is a slow-onset problem and further actions are needed for future sustainability, emphasizing protecting wetlands.
Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, urged collaboration with different government and non-government organizations to find the solutions or key findings and share them with the ministry so that they can change the policy level according to that.
She warned about different adverse impacts of climate change and pollution like cold waves, plastic pollution and sound pollution.