In a groundbreaking move for Asia, Dhaka welcomed its first-ever Chief Heat Officer (CHO), Bushra Afreen, appointed by the prestigious Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center. Discover why this appointment is critical in the fight against climate change and extreme heat.
In 2023, Bushra Afreen made history as Asia’s inaugural Chief Heat Officer (CHO) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, appointed by the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center (Arsht-Rock). Her role? Spearheading initiatives to combat the escalating threat of extreme heat induced by climate change within the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) areas.
As the sole CHO in Asia, Bushra has garnered attention for her proactive measures, such as advising individuals to carry essential items like water bottles, caps, fans, and umbrellas to combat the scorching temperatures. However, despite being almost a year into her tenure, many are still curious about her responsibilities, qualifications, and the presence of CHOs in other cities.
But what exactly is a CHO, and why are they essential for cities? With heatwaves projected to affect over 3.5 billion people worldwide by 2050, cities are particularly vulnerable due to the urban heat island effect and rapid urbanization. CHOs act as catalysts for city governments, coordinating responses to extreme heat and implementing strategies to protect residents.
Bushra Afreen- The first and only Chief Heat Officer in Asia
The appointment of a CHO typically stems from a city’s commitment to climate change mitigation. In Bushra’s case, Arsht-Rock appointed her and defined her responsibilities, while also providing financial support. Interestingly, the DNCC disclaimed any formal position for a Chief Heat Officer, emphasizing that Bushra’s appointment was independent of municipal structures.
Bushra’s qualifications lend credibility to her role, with a background in global development from Queen’s University and prior experience with the Shakti Foundation in Bangladesh, focusing on garment worker safety and sustainable practices.
Bushra joins a select group of CHOs worldwide, including Jane Gilbert in Miami, Eleni Myrivili serving both UN-Habitat and Arsht-Rock, Eugenia Kargbo in Freetown, Elissavet Bargianni in Athens, and Krista Milne and Tiffany Crawford in Melbourne. These officers have initiated diverse projects, from implementing cool pavements and roofs to planting trees for shade.
As Bushra continues her mission to alleviate the impact of extreme heat in north Dhaka, her efforts underscore the growing importance of proactive measures in combating climate change-induced challenges. Only time will reveal the extent of relief she can bring to the city’s residents amidst the sweltering heat.