Heat wave adaptation strategies among informal workers in an urban setting: A study in dhaka city, Bangladesh

Abstract

With the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves globally, studying the adaptation strategies of informal workers, who constitute a significant and vulnerable segment of Dhaka's urban population, has become critical for understanding and mitigating the health and socioeconomic impacts of climate change in rapidly urbanizing cities like Dhaka. This study examines adaptation strategies among informal workers in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, in response to the increasing frequency of heat waves. Combining satellite data, meteorological records, and a field survey of 420 respondents, the research highlights significant challenges faced by this vulnerable population. Dhaka experienced 35 heat wave events from 2001 to 2022, with a peak of six events in 2021. Urban Heat Island (UHI) mapping revealed densely populated hotspots. While 42% of respondents live in pacca homes, few incorporate heat-resilient features like insulation or rooftop gardens. Though 99% have electricity, only 5.71% own backup power supplies, exacerbating vulnerability during power outages. Key adaptation practices include increased fluid intake (88.81%), opening windows (87.14%), and staying indoors (72.38%), though public cooling centers remain underutilized (15%). Analysis shows that education, socioeconomic status, and occupational type significantly influence adaptive practices. Indoor workers and individuals with higher education and income levels scored higher on adaptive measures. Multivariate regression explained 12.9% of variance in practice scores, underscoring the interplay of sociodemographic factors in shaping resilience. Recommendations include enhancing urban planning, introducing heat alerts, providing financial support, and promoting community-driven adaptation initiatives. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers to address heat wave challenges in urban settings.