In Bangladesh, the impacts of climate change and mental health challenges intersect to create complex and urgent issues that require attention and action.
Author: Md Biozid Jessorey
Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, facing recurring threats of rising temperatures, air pollution, and devastating floods, all of which have serious implications on the mental health of its people. This article delves into the interplay between climate change and mental health in Bangladesh, focusing on heatstroke, air pollution, and post-flood impacts.
Heat stroke: The threat of extreme heat
Rising temperatures due to climate change are exacerbating heatstroke across Bangladesh, particularly affecting urban areas such as Dhaka and coastal regions. Searing heat poses direct physical health risks and undermines mental health. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat exacerbates stress, anxiety and fatigue, impairs cognitive function and increases the risk of heatstroke among vulnerable populations such as children, older adults and those with pre-existing mental illnesses. Heatwaves amplify the urban heat island effect, exacerbating discomfort and social disparities, highlighting the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and public health interventions to protect mental health.
Air pollution: Respiratory burden
Bangladesh is grappling with severe air pollution exacerbated by rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and agricultural practices. Particulate matter (PM), ozone, and other pollutants worsen air quality and pose significant threats to respiratory health and mental health. High air pollution levels increase the risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and cognitive impairment, especially among urban residents and vulnerable communities. Air pollution is exacerbated by climate change, requiring concerted efforts to enforce air pollution regulations, promote clean energy solutions, and strengthen green urban planning to mitigate the mental health impacts of polluted air.
After the flood: rebuilding beyond the water
Bangladesh is no stranger to devastating floods exacerbated by rising sea levels and monsoon patterns due to climate change. Floods displace millions of people, devastating livelihoods, shattering social cohesion and leaving lasting scars on mental health. Survivors often experience trauma, grief and anxiety in their wake, further exacerbated by the loss of their homes, livelihoods and community networks. A protracted recovery process, coupled with environmental degradation and economic instability, poses challenges to mental resilience and social well-being. Strengthening disaster preparedness, expanding early warning systems and integrating psychosocial support services are essential to build community resilience and promote mental health recovery in flood-prone areas.
Conclusion: Towards resilience and adaptability
The complex interplay between climate change and mental health in Bangladesh highlights the need for a holistic approach that prioritizes adaptation, mitigation and mental health considerations. Sustainable development initiatives such as climate-resilient infrastructure, green energy solutions and community-based adaptation strategies can mitigate climate impacts and protect mental health. Integrating mental health into climate change policies, promoting community engagement and strengthening access to psychosocial support services are critical steps to build resilience, promote equity and protect mental health for Bangladeshis as the challenges of a changing climate evolve. Addressing the intersection of mental health and climate change can help Bangladesh pave the way to a sustainable and resilient future for all.
Md Biozid Jessorey is a dynamic motivational speaker, trainer, youth leader and scholar with extensive experience in Bangladeshi and German universities including Prime Asia University, Kaiserslautern University and Kiel University. He has also worked for various national and international NGOs including Amnesty International and UNICEF. Biozid specializes in nuclear safety, youth development, climate change and genetics and is the author of a book on financial literacy, “Sohjei E-Commerce”. He is certified by the United Nations World Trade Organization as an expert in e-commerce and small business policy and by the International Atomic Energy Agency as an expert in IAEA safety standards. Biozid has led important initiatives such as the Union Math Festival and youth leadership development in Bangladesh, which have been recognised by media outlets such as BBC World and DW. A humanitarian and non-violent activist since 2008, he believes that real change comes from within communities. Having grown up in the climate-affected city of Khulna, he enjoys meeting new people and embracing diverse perspectives.
