Fariha Hossain

Due to global warming, the climate of the world including Bangladesh is changing. As a result, the traditional pace of the world is constantly changing. At the same time, due to the increase in carbon emissions in the atmosphere, the mountains of the ice-covered regions are melting, the sea level is rising, the earth is heating up, and the reason for the terrible heat burning in the country during the current period is mainly: the effect of climate change.

Besides, hill-forests, tree killing, deforestation, encroachment of river canals, filling up the situation is pushing the situation towards more damage. The adverse effects of these are not only causing climate change but also disrupting agriculture, food production and threatening biodiversity.

In this situation, intense heat has been going on all over the country for the last month. The heatwave is disrupting public life. People are dying and incidents are happening in this heat wave that is spreading across the country. Such a change in temperature is not happening now, it has been happening for the past few years, but this time the issue is gaining importance as its impact and permanence is more. The Meteorological Department says the ongoing heat wave sweeping over the country will continue for another week.

But the temperature is likely to rise further. Now an emergency 'heat alert' continues across the country. The organization has given a message not to go out of the house unless it is necessary. The demand for water has increased during intense heat. At this time, avoid heat and stay in a cool place. Drink liquid and cold food.

The discomfort is increased by the presence of more water vapor in the air. At the same time, as the low pressure of the sea is located in West Bengal and surrounding areas, the effect of intense heat in this region is seen on the surface. Earlier, there was a record of 15 to 13 days of continuous heat wave in the country, but this time, continuous heat wave is flowing throughout the entire period of this month. As the day progresses, the heat of the sun also increases.

The temperature is higher than what it feels like. This season is stormy. There will be storms and rains. But if the amount of rain with the storm is not sufficient, then there is no possibility of reducing the temperature. Then suffering will increase in public life. In summer, offices, courts, schools, colleges, hospitals, construction work are all extremely disturbed.

Especially in the lives of working people, rickshaw drivers, street children, hawkers, hawkers, this heat has come down as a threat of death. Schools, colleges and madrassas across the country were closed for about a week due to the ongoing severe heatwave. These extreme temperatures pose a major obstacle to the management of public health development at global, regional and local levels. To solve this, it is necessary to take different science-based steps at global, regional and local levels. However, more greening, afforestation and creation and conservation of wetlands are needed first.

While many seek shelter in the shade of their offices or homes to escape the constant heat of the sun, many others are working as day laborers in the scorching sun. As a result, the people of this class of profession are more overcome by this heat.

As a result they struggle with weak and malnourished bodies and suffer from various physical ailments. Especially when facing complicated conditions like fever, chills, cough, abdominal pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath, pneumonia, dehydration and heatstroke. However, women, children and the elderly are at greater risk. Meteorologists said that from 11 pm to 3 pm, the sun is overhead during this period, so it is very hot during this time, so do not leave the house unless absolutely necessary. This heat is not suitable for the human body.

It is natural that people's normal life will be disrupted. Many are also dying of heat stroke as they cannot tolerate the heat. The initial heat wave was mild to moderate, but gradually turned from severe to very severe. April is the hottest month of the year; But this month is much hotter than any other year. People are gasping for a single rain in the unbearable heat. As the temperature of the atmosphere increases, the human body also gets hot. As a result, the blood vessels open up.

This results in a drop in blood pressure which makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood throughout the body. And if the blood pressure drops too much, the risk of heart attack can increase. Bangladesh is a country of six seasons. Earlier we could tell by season what would happen. But now it is not possible to say.

This is not only the case of Bangladesh, but this is the case all over the world. We ourselves are responsible for this. The increase in the use of fossil fuels is mainly responsible for this. Another thing is that the temperature which was before industrialization, after industrialization the temperature has increased by one to one and a half degrees. As a result, it was already assumed that the world is gradually warming. Now that's happening.

Now is the time to take urgent action to protect children from the more damaging effects of climate change, including this ongoing heat wave. As temperatures rise abnormally, we must first focus on keeping children and the most vulnerable populations safe.

Especially for newborns, newborns and young children. Children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and dehydration-induced diarrhea. We can also take some early steps, such as providing a cool place for children to sit and play, wherever they are. Preventing them from going out of the house for a few hours in the hot afternoon and afternoon. Ensure that children wear light and breathable clothing.

Also, it should be ensured that they drink plenty of water throughout the day. Many times excessive sweating depletes the body of essential salts and minerals. Plenty of water, drinks, saline, syrups, fresh juicy fruits, and pure and nutritious food should be eaten. Umbrellas, hats/caps and sunglasses should be used to protect from the hot sun. Avoid working in the sun for long periods of time. In this natural calamity, we can do as much humanity as we can. We can increase the wages of people who work in the sun all day.

None of us will suffer much if the fares for rickshaw pullers or this category of people are slightly increased. Can manage a little food and clean drinking water. Many such examples have already been seen in different areas. Those who try their best to sit and rest in the shade in front of their houses, have food and water. Our compassion for animals is not left out. Many have made a comfortable place for the animals to have water and at least a little rest in this intense heat. To keep this ongoing dynamic normal, we too have to adapt to this miserable life. You have to adapt to this climate and accept that it is a war. You have to hold on to your roots.

But we can see a demo of the future right now. Seasons are changing. The heat is long. Monsoon is getting shorter, with more rainfall in a shorter period of time. The amount of heat waves is increasing day by day, along with the imbalance of biodiversity. Besides, the manufacturing sector is having a major impact on agriculture.

These natural disasters are caused by deforestation and climate change. The natural calamities that are being witnessed at present are just a warning. Afforestation work should be started soon. Along with that, you should get used to living nature friendly. The Department of Meteorology has researched the changing climate of Bangladesh. The study reviewed daily maximum and minimum temperatures from 1980 to 2020.

It has been observed that the temperature changes in different seasons. Studies show that climate conditions are gradually warming. Temperatures are increasing in all seasons. Remember, this fever is not permanent. Surrounded by lush green natural beauty, the days read in childhood on the pages of Bangladesh books should become a reality. Life should be arranged by keeping nature green, forests, mountains, forests, rivers and canals intact, only then can we be protected from the harmful effects of climate change. This requires individual, community, local, state, interstate and international initiatives.

Writer, Freelance Journalist, Student-North South University.