By: Makame Mahmud, Md. Jubaer Rashid

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, stands at the forefront of climate change, from rising temperatures to unpredictable rainfall and frequent natural disasters. These growing threats have pushed the city to take action, leading to the development of comprehensive Climate Action Plans (CAPs). These plans aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, adapt to climate impacts and build a more sustainable and resilient urban environment. In a nation where climate vulnerability is a pressing concern, Dhaka’s CAPs are more than just strategic documents – they are a lifeline for its citizens, projecting a course toward a low-emission, resilient and sustainable future.

Why Climate Action Plans (CAPs) for Dhaka?

Dhaka’s vulnerability to climate change is evident, driven by its unique geographic position on the Ganges Delta and the rapid urbanisation that has reshaped the city. Frequent flooding, increasingly erratic rainfall, and rising heat waves pose significant threats. The city’s dense population, informal settlements, and inadequate infrastructure amplify these risks and contribute to heat islands, water scarcity, and the spread of vector-borne diseases.

Despite having numerous sectoral plans, Dhaka needed a specific strategy for building a climate-resilient city. This gap began to close in 2018 by developing a city-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emission inventory, part of global and national commitments under the UN’s Paris Agreement. Building on this momentum, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) each developed and launched their own Climate Action Plans (CAPs) in May 2024, marking a significant step towards a climate-resilient future. Both cities have committed to ambitious visions of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The CAPs were developed with financial support from C40 Cities and technical assistance from ICLEI South Asia. They outline seven priority sectors and 26 strategies to achieve 21 targets across the two cities. These plans focus on reducing emissions and promoting adaptation measures such as flood-resistant infrastructure and climate-smart urban planning. The goal is clear: a 70.6% reduction in emissions by 2050, aligning with international climate objectives and securing a sustainable future for Dhaka.

How will Dhaka CAPs Increase the Resiliency of Different Sectors?

Dhaka’s Climate Action Plans aim to have 85% of the city’s energy come from renewable sources by 2050 through various renewable energy interventions. These include solar grid integration, exploring alternative renewable energy sources, and promoting energy efficiency through fuel-efficient vehicles, building design, and clean cooking and industrial equipment.

Increased public transport in the transport sector contributes to air pollution, traffic jams and GHG emissions. The CAPs addressed these by promoting low-carbon electric mobility, increasing non-motorized and public transport use, and improving vehicle fuel efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system.

Waste management is another critical area where the CAPs prioritised reducing landfill waste, improving waste collection, processing, recycling and formalising the informal sector. These actions are crucial for mitigating environmental and health risks associated with improper waste disposal. In addressing wastewater challenges, strategies to improve sewage collection, promote water reuse and maintain sanitation facilities have been incorporated to ensure a healthier environment and reduce climate-induced risks. The CAPs also focused on drainage network repairs, effective warning systems, and promoting permeable surfaces for stormwater and flood management.

To address heat stress and associated health risks, Dhaka’s CAP recommended climate-resilient healthcare systems, increasing the skills of public health professionals, and integrating climate considerations into health planning. Moreover, it is essential to ensure safe water access to low-income communities, which are the most vulnerable in the city.

DNCC and DSCC must now translate these sector-specific strategies into actionable programs with clear timelines and responsibilities. This involves developing detailed implementation frameworks prioritising renewable energy integration, sustainable transport systems, and efficient waste and water management. DNCC and DSCC must coordinate with stakeholders identified in the CAPs to implement these policies and ensure that the goals of resilience and sustainability are met across all sectors.

What’s next for Dhaka’s Climate Action Plans?

For Dhaka’s Climate Action Plans (CAPs) to be successfully implemented, the following steps must go beyond financial investment and institutional capacity building. DNCC and DSCC need to focus on developing and executing detailed action plans that transform the strategies outlined in the CAPs into tangible, measurable outcomes. This involves not only the allocation of dedicated budgets but also a proactive approach to forming strategic partnerships with national and international stakeholders. These partnerships can provide the technical expertise, resources and innovation necessary to drive the CAPs forward.

Moreover, the support from the national government, particularly from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Local Government Division, is crucial. Their involvement can facilitate increased budgetary allocations, streamline regulatory processes, and ensure national policies align with the objectives of Dhaka’s CAPs. This collaboration can also help integrate the CAPs into broader national development plans, ensuring Dhaka’s climate resilience efforts receive the attention and resources they require at all levels of government.

Additionally, DNCC and DSCC must strengthen their internal capacities by investing in training and development for their staff, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to implement the CAPs effectively. This includes enhancing their ability to monitor and evaluate progress, adapt strategies in response to emerging challenges, and engage with local communities to ensure that the benefits of the CAPs are widely distributed.