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Bangkok to Bake: Extreme Heat Threatens City by 2050
19 May
Summary
- Bangkok faces over 120 extreme heat days annually by 2050.
- Average maximum temperature in Bangkok to reach 38.1 C by midcentury.
- Economic losses from heat could reach 6% of Bangkok's GDP by 2050.
Bangkok is bracing for a severe heat crisis, with projections indicating it will be Southeast Asia's hottest major city by 2050. The ASEAN Centre for Energy reports that annual extreme heat days, defined as exceeding 35 C, could surge from approximately 45 days to 120 days.
Temperatures in Bangkok are expected to climb to an average daily maximum of 38.1 C by midcentury, a significant rise from 33.3 C in 2000. This escalating heat poses substantial risks to public health, infrastructure, and the economy.
The urban heat island effect exacerbates the crisis, making dense city areas hotter than outlying green spaces. Without adaptation, economic losses due to heat and humidity could amount to 6 percent of the city's gross product by 2050.
Addressing this challenge requires urgent implementation of passive cooling strategies. Integrating natural ventilation, increasing green spaces, and adopting heat-reflective building materials are crucial steps. Revising building regulations to mandate passive cooling features in new developments is also essential for long-term resilience.
