The development of the first-ever Heat Action Plan (HAP) for Narayanganj City has officially been kicked off, technically supported by ICLEI South Asia. This ambitious project positions Narayanganj as a leader in heat stress management, addressing the growing impacts of climate change on urban populations. This initiative represents a significant milestone in addressing climate-induced heat stress, one of the most critical climate impacts identified in the city. The Heat Action Plan builds on the foundation laid by Narayanganj City Corporation’s Climate Resilient City Action Plan (CRCAP), developed by ICLEI South Asia in 2021. The CRCAP identified heat stress as a significant and growing challenge for the city, and the development of the HAP is a logical next step in advancing Narayanganj’s climate adaptation goals.

The Heat Action Plan project is part of the Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) Research for Impact Opportunities Fund initiative, a UK-Canada framework research programme funded by IDRC Canada and the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The CLARE programme focuses on fostering socially inclusive and sustainable actions to build resilience to climate change and natural hazards in Africa and Asia-Pacific. Through this project, Narayanganj City aims to bolster its capacity to address rising temperatures and extreme heat events, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.

The official inception meeting, held on 11 November 2024 at Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC). Key officials, including the Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, and Town Planner of NCC, as well as the Country Representative and Technical Lead from ICLEI South Asia, gathered to discuss the project’s concept, methodologies, and overall implementation plan. The meeting provided a clear roadmap for the next steps in this crucial climate resilience effort.

On 20 November 2024, the project received official approval from the Narayanganj City Corporation. Following this, a Core Team will be formed within NCC to oversee and integrate the Heat Action Plan across various departments. This team will ensure the successful implementation of the plan and its integration into the city’s broader climate adaptation and development strategy.

The Heat Action Plan will focus on urban heat mitigation strategies, particularly safeguarding vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and low-income populations. The project aims to increase the city’s climate resilience by addressing heat stress and ensuring the well-being of its residents, while contributing to the sustainability of the urban environment.

Currently, ICLEI South Asia’s team is conducting a comprehensive baseline assessment to understand the specific heat impacts in Narayanganj. This research will inform the development of targeted interventions and strategies designed to reduce heat-related vulnerabilities and enhance the resilience of the city’s infrastructure and population. The insights gained from this assessment will be crucial in shaping the Heat Action Plan and ensuring that it addresses Narayanganj’s unique challenges.

The Heat Action Plan is expected to be a critical tool for building urban resilience. By tackling the challenges posed by extreme heat, the plan will improve the health and well-being of Narayanganj’s residents and contribute to the city’s long-term climate adaptation goals. With this initiative, Narayanganj is positioning itself as a model for other cities in Bangladesh in the fight against climate change, setting the stage for more inclusive and sustainable climate action across the country.