Bangkok is facing significant challenges due to rising urban heat, according to a report by the World Bank and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) released today. The study warns that if temperatures increase by one degree Celsius, it could lead to over 2,300 heat-related deaths annually in Bangkok, along with financial losses amounting to 44 billion baht from decreased productivity and 17 billion baht in increased electricity costs.
The report, titled "Shaping a Cooler Bangkok: Tackling Urban Heat for a More Livable City," highlights the growing severity of heatwaves exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. This phenomenon transforms developed areas into heat traps affecting health, productivity, and infrastructure. By 2050, unsafe temperatures could hinder outdoor work and elevate health risks related to heat. Vulnerable populations such as children under 15 and adults over 65 are at heightened risk.
Melinda Good, World Bank Division Director for Thailand and Myanmar stated, “Urban heat is not just an environmental issue but an economic and social challenge that demands urgent action.” She emphasized that the report offers practical solutions for adapting to extreme heat while protecting vulnerable residents and jobs.
In response to these challenges, BMA has collaborated with government entities and businesses to establish cooling shelters, expand green spaces, and implement heat alert systems. The report suggests further interventions such as enhancing early warning systems, increasing public cooling centers, embedding resilience into policies and planning, strengthening building codes, developing local-level heat mapping initiatives, and creating a fund dedicated to sustainable financing of mitigation efforts.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed commitment by saying,“As Bangkok continues to grow we must take decisive steps to address the escalating heat challenge.” He noted that the findings will guide efforts in safeguarding vulnerable residents.
The report calls for collaboration among policymakers businesses local communities focusing on immediate mitigation alongside long-term strategies. With these measures implemented effectively Bangkok aims at supporting its climate resilience journey with continued assistance from both the World Bank BMA.