Balance or homeostasis is very important in all aspects of social life, personal life and the environment. The balance of water and heat in the human body is directly related to the temperature of the environment at a certain level. After exceeding this level, it becomes inversely related. It is important to have a body temperature of 37°C for proper functioning of all bodily functions. At this temperature, all enzymes and hormones in the body work properly. If it increases, the body tries to maintain it through negative kickback. But when it increases excessively, the homeostasis process of the body no longer works. Then heat stroke happens.

According to the World Meteorological Organization, if the daily temperature rises above 5°C and continues for 5 consecutive days, it is called a heatwave. In our country, this heat wave starts from 36°C (according to the Meteorological Department). At present, in some places, the temperature reached about 43°C. Then it should not be difficult to understand that we are facing a difficult situation. Breaking all the records of the past 28 years, the whole country is burning with great clamour.

We must go back to nature to get rid of the situation. For that to happen, the percentage of forestry in all major cities of the country should be determined. Social afforestation should be ensured.

Isn’t this situation a natural revenge? It is for sure because we are crossing the parameter set to keep the temperature increase under control. In general, if you think about the use of fossil fuels in the country, it is increasing and not decreasing. The number of personal and corporate vehicles is increasing every day. The burning of fossil fuels is increasing. The harmful substances from the burning of fossil fuels around the world are increasing day by day. In our country, this is happening extremely. From 1950 till today it has increased several times. The daily use of refrigerators and ACs has increased exponentially. The amount of deforestation has increased, and the number of concrete houses has increased unimaginably and unplanned. Now coming under the grip of so many growths, the precious thing that has been lost is the green plants that purify the air by absorbing the greenhouse gases. According to United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) data, an ideal city has at least 25% forest cover. A survey of 2020 showed that the amount of forest cover in Dhaka city was 8%. Now it is decreasing even more. On the opposite side, brick and stone buildings and brick kilns are increasing rapidly. As a result, the temperature is constantly increasing.

We must go back to nature to get rid of the situation. For that to happen, the percentage of forestry in all major cities of the country should be determined. Social afforestation should be ensured. All the parks or recreation areas in the urban must be filled with greeneries. Arrangements should be made to plant trees on the sides of the roads. Laws against deforestation must be strictly enforced. Public awareness and involvement should be increased in the conservation of the public and privately owned trees on the banks of the reservoirs.

The writer is the Head Department of Entomology National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, NIPSOM