Research Project for Heat waves in Dhaka: Health Impacts, Adaptation Strategies, and Mitigation Approaches

 Dhaka, one of the world’s most climate-exposed megacities, is increasingly vulnerable to extreme heat events driven by climate change and rapid urbanization. In recent years, heatwaves have become more frequent, prolonged, and intense, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. The city’s dense built environment, limited green cover, and pronounced urban heat island effect significantly amplify heat exposure and associated health risks. These impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including older adults, children, low-income households, informal settlement residents, and outdoor workers.

Despite the escalating heat risk, there remains a critical gap in city-specific evidence to inform public health responses, climate adaptation planning, and urban design interventions in Dhaka. This research project was designed to address this gap by systematically assessing the health impacts of heatwaves, evaluating existing adaptation practices, and identifying feasible and context-appropriate mitigation measures.

Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study conducted household surveys with 400 respondents across Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), with deliberate inclusion of vulnerable population groups. Qualitative insights were gathered through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving policymakers, public health professionals, urban planners, and community representatives. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were integrated to examine how heat exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity interact to shape health outcomes.

PLANCON provided a comprehensive range of professional services to ensure the effective design, implementation, and successful completion of the study. The scope of work covered research design, field implementation, data analysis, and policy-oriented outputs aligned with the project objectives. Key services included:

• Research Design and Planning: Conducted literature review and developed the conceptual framework, research methodology, and data collection instruments.

• Survey and Data Collection: Implemented household surveys with 400 respondents across Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), ensuring targeted inclusion of vulnerable groups such as elderly populations, outdoor workers, and low-income households.

• Qualitative Research: Conducted Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving policymakers, healthcare providers, climate experts, and community representatives.

• Data Management and Analysis: Performed data cleaning, coding, and entry; conducted quantitative statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and logistic regression) using R software, complemented by qualitative thematic analysis.

• Policy and Mitigation Analysis: Identified and proposed context-specific and sustainable heatwave adaptation and mitigation measures based on empirical findings and international best practices.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Organized validation and consultation workshops with policymakers, public health officials, and climate specialists to review findings and refine recommendations.

• Reporting and Dissemination: Prepared draft and final research reports incorporating evidence-based policy recommendations; submitted reports to the SSRC/Planning Commission and disseminated findings among relevant stakeholders.