The lived experiences of vulnerable populations in the context of extreme heat
A comprehensive narrative report based on survey data from five cities in Nepal and Bangladesh
In South Asia, rising temperatures due to climate change are causing stronger, more frequent and longer heatwaves. These trends are projected to continue in future, increasing the number of heat-related deaths as well as energy demand for cooling. The region’s large outdoor workforce is particularly exposed and vulnerable to these dangerous conditions. This study surveyed over 2,000 respondents from five cities in Nepal and Bangladesh to understand the experiences and perceptions of residents living under extreme heat and inform inclusive, responsive and effective heat-risk policies. The survey confirms that extreme heat is a pervasive and escalating risk, significantly degrading public health, livelihoods and well-being. Perhaps the most important finding from this research is that there was a strong, positive and statistically significant effect of heat programmes on behaviour change.