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Bangladesh alone has faced over $1 billion in cyclone-related annual losses, while coastal communities are struggling with worsening livelihood crises. This information is highlighted in a new study by Nature Climate Change, which underscores the growing threat of marine heatwaves driven by climate change. The study reveals that the number of marine heatwave days during the summers of 2023 and 2024 was nearly 3.5 times higher than in any other recorded year. Over the past two years, climate change, exacerbated by El Niño, has caused multiple record-breaking marine heatwaves, resulting in billions of dollars in damages worldwide.
Scientists warn that if fossil fuel consumption and deforestation continue at the current rate, marine heatwaves could become 20-50 times more frequent and 10 times more intense by the end of the century. They stress the urgent need for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to mitigate these effects. The report also highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of severe cyclones linked to marine heatwaves. In 2023-24, several devastating storms struck Asia, including Tropical Cyclone Mocha in 2023 and Cyclone Remal in 2024, both of which severely impacted Bangladesh. These storms destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes and directly affected over 9 million people, with Cyclone Remal alone resulting in property losses valued at TK 6,880 Crore.
The scientists emphasize the critical role oceans play in regulating climate, supporting marine life, and providing livelihoods for billions of people. However, as marine heatwaves intensify, these essential functions are increasingly at risk. In the past two years, marine heatwaves have led to widespread coral bleaching, the closure of fisheries and aquaculture, and an increase in whale and dolphin strandings. These disruptions are also contributing to extreme weather events, such as deadly heatwaves and severe flooding on land.
While El Niño has intensified marine heatwaves in recent years, research indicates that human-induced climate change has already caused a 50% increase in marine heatwaves between 2011 and 2021. Scientists emphasize that urgent action is needed, especially in climate-vulnerable nations like Bangladesh, to adopt environmentally friendly energy solutions. Proactive measures, such as relocating endangered species and providing financial aid to affected fishers, have shown some success in mitigating the impacts of marine heatwaves. However, these are not permanent solutions, and continued action is necessary to reduce global emissions and prevent further temperature extremes in the oceans.
