Year of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Environmental Studies

Department or School/College

Franke College

Committee Chair

Dr. Robin Saha

Commitee Members

Dr. Daniel Spencer, Dr. Sarah Halvorson

Keywords

Urban Heat Island, Climate Adaptation, Adaptive Capacity, Institutional Capacity, Environmental Governance, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Subject Categories

Development Studies | Environmental Studies

Abstract

This thesis examines the institutional capacity for Urban Heat Island (UHI) mitigation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, focusing on governance structures, institutional arrangements, and implementation effectiveness. An analytical framework is applied to assess the capacity of key urban institutions including Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and the Department of Environment (DoE) across dimensions of leadership, resources, coordination, and learning capacity. The study also examines governance dynamics such as inter-agency coordination, knowledge exchange, and mobilization capacity as they relate to the planning and implementation of heat mitigation strategies. Through semi-structured expert interviews the research identifies both strengths and persistent challenges in Dhaka's institutional response to urban heat. The findings highlight critical areas for improvement, particularly in strengthening inter-agency coordination, addressing resource and capacity disparities across institutions, and closing the gap between policy commitments and on-the-ground implementation. Fragmented governance structures, weak enforcement of existing regulations, and competing development priorities are identified as key barriers constraining the effectiveness of UHI mitigation efforts at the city level. At the same time, the study identifies emerging opportunities including collaborative partnerships with NGOs, context-specific greening strategies, and pilot interventions that offer potential pathways for strengthening institutional responses within existing governance constraints. Establishing clearer institutional accountability mechanisms and more integrated planning frameworks is identified as essential for ensuring sustained and coordinated climate action. The thesis emphasizes the importance of aligning institutional mandates, technical capacity, and resource allocation to support long-term urban climate resilience in Dhaka. This study's framework offers a structured approach for evaluating institutional and governance capacity in the context of urban climate adaptation, with implications extending beyond UHI mitigation to broader urban environmental governance challenges. By addressing these institutional barriers, policymakers and urban planners can significantly strengthen Dhaka's capacity to respond to escalating heat risks, contributing to the city's long-term sustainability, public health, and climate resilience goals.

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