Heat Stress and Drought
Bangladesh has recently seen a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. During the 2024 heatwave, prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and water shortages resulted in a range of devastating consequences, including heightened health risks like heatstroke, agricultural losses, and societal disruptions like school closures and water shortages. Without serious mitigation measures, Bangladesh could face an increasing risk of these extremes in the coming decades.
The Eltahir Group at MIT uses the MIT Regional Climate Model (MRCM) to assess the impacts of near-term climate change at local and regional scales throughout South West Bangladesh. The group mainly focuses on producing projections about possible changes in frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts for the near-term period of 2026-2050, comparing outcomes in low and high-emissions scenarios. These products inform JO-CREWSnet’s projects related to agricultural adaptation, climate resilient housing, and water security.
Outdoor Days
Set your definition of comfort for an outdoor day and see how many of those days may occur in one future with investment in renewable energy, and another without.
Learn more at the Eltahir Research Group Website.
Wet Bulb Temperature Projections
Wet bulb temperature is a measure of how hot and humid the air feels to the human body. Unlike the traditional dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature takes into account both the temperature and humidity. When the wet-bulb temperature is high, the human body struggles to cool itself through sweating. This can lead to heatstroke and other severe health issues.