‘Fire is the result of our long-term environmental pollution’

A severe heat wave is blowing across the country. The life of Djerba in Vapsa summer. Dr. Professor of the Department of Environmental Sciences of Stamford University and Chairman of the Atmospheric Pollution Study Center (CAPS) talked about the causes of the ongoing heat wave, global effects, prevention measures, etc. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumdar. Interviewed by Raihan Ahmed.

Jago News: Extreme heat wave record surpasses previous years. To what extent is regional influence as well as global influence responsible for such a situation?

Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman: Such fires are happening due to global climate change. Analyzing the causes of Bangladesh’s burning at present, we find some reasons. Excessive use of fossil fuels worldwide, melting of Himalayan ice, reduction in the number of rivers – these effects are also falling in Bangladesh.

I think the local reason is much more important than the global reason. Day by day we have deactivated the things that keep the temperature cool in our city. This is the result of our long-term environmental pollution. Due to unplanned urbanization, industrialization, destruction of greenery, destruction of reservoirs, our temperature is not at a tolerable level. As a result, new temperature records are being set every year.

Jago News: Due to the use of air conditioners, the surrounding people are bearing two to three degrees higher temperature. What is the effect of the ongoing heat flow? Is there a need for a policy on this?

Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman: At present, more than 50 lakh units of air conditioners are being used in the capital. According to the data of 2017-18, more than one lakh units of AC are being used in Dhanmondi. The heat released from the AC dissipates into the air, helping to raise the city’s temperature by up to three degrees. Five to six lakh new AC units are being connected in cities every year. And this is affecting the entire capital. Those who can’t afford AC are suffering from this temperature.

Depending on the size of our city, 20 to 25 percent green should be available, and 15 to 20 percent water. But we have green and water only one-third of the total demand

AC is creating a difference in perceived temperature. I think in this case those who will use AC should plant certain number of trees. Otherwise compensation should be arranged. They can be taxed.

Jago News: Everyone talks about the major role of plants in preventing extreme heat waves. Besides greening, is there any other way to prevent heat wave?

Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman: Apart from greening and creating reservoirs in the city, there is another factor of temperature control. That is our airflow must be correct. But as a result of unplanned urbanization, one building is being built with another building. As a result, the air movement of the city is obstructed. Also there are some factors, which heat up an area. These factors should be eliminated.

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Like build area and steep road. This is called the heat island effect. This road in Dhaka gets hot during the day, which holds the heat till the early part of the night. Then at night, when heat is emitted from the streets, it helps to increase the heat in the city. Not only the heat island, but also glass buildings are currently on the rise. These glasses absorb a lot of heat and then dissipate it into the air.

Besides, starting from AC, car engine, gas stove, unfit car – these are producing temperature. Now in the city every day the stove burns for five to six hours to cook food for two and a half million people. I think these factors have a greater effect on warming the atmosphere of an area. These should be brought under control, along with planting trees.

Jago News: How much green is needed in the capital according to population?

Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman: According to the size of our city, 20 to 25 percent should be green, and 15 to 20 percent water. But we have green and water only one-third of the total demand. According to the size of our city, the ideal number of population was supposed to be 50 to 60 lakhs. There we have four times that is two and a quarter million people living there. That’s why we are facing not only temperature but also different types of pollution, traffic congestion and other problems inside the city.

Greening is the most beneficial factor for fire prevention. Because plants produce more oxygen and it provides oxygen by absorbing carbon-dioxide and heat. There is really no substitute for trees to reduce heat waves

Jago News: Park-grounds are being commercialized in the name of renovation. Infrastructure is being built by killing trees. To what extent is green killing responsible for rising urban temperatures?

Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman: The water bodies of the city are disappearing. The park-ground is getting smaller and smaller. The way the ongoing fields and parks are being encroached on is reducing green space as well as open space. City Corporation or RAJUK or WASA should consider trees before undertaking development projects or designs. It is possible to design by keeping plants in the project. The tree should be relocated if necessary in park renovations. But the tree cannot be killed in any way. The ongoing heatwave in the capital would have been somewhat tolerable if the city had as much greenery as it needed. Trees are still being cut for road development and beautification.

Jago News: How much greening is able to prevent fires?

Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman: Greening is the most beneficial factor for fire prevention. Because plants produce more oxygen and it provides oxygen by absorbing carbon-dioxide and heat. This oxygen cools the area. There is really no substitute for trees to reduce heat waves.

We found that temperatures felt lower in areas with trees. A study by the Atmospheric Pollution Study Center found that temperatures were lower in nine places in the capital due to more trees. Besides, the temperature in commercial areas was 3 to 3.5 degrees higher than other places due to lack of vegetation. This shows how useful the tree is in temperature resistance.

Jago News: What role can the Department of Environment, City Corporation and related departments of the government play to deal with extreme temperatures?

Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman: In this regard, the local ministry of the government has many roles. People’s suffering should be reduced especially in cities. Our city lacks adequate passenger canopies. Passenger canopies and shade should be provided in populated and commercial areas.

Where traffic is high, long-term planting should be done. The Department of Environment and the Department of Meteorology can be jointly researched and worked on. Regular public alert should be done. I think we cannot solve the long standing problem in a day or overnight. Because of that, all the concerned as well as the law enforcement agencies should work together to reduce this disaster.

RAS/ASA/JIM