As Bangladesh grapples with an unprecedented heatwave, social media influencers are leveraging their platforms to advocate for tree planting initiatives. With temperatures soaring as high as 43°C, particularly in the densely populated capital of Dhaka, the city's dwindling green spaces have exacerbated the impact of the scorching heat.

In response to the crisis, prominent figures like Peya Jannatul, a model, actor, and lawyer, have urged their millions of followers to plant trees. Initiatives such as a student-led campaign to plant 500,000 trees in ten days and a cleric's call to fund the planting of 300,000 trees have gained traction on social media platforms.

Organizations like Green Savers are facilitating tree sponsorship programs, allowing individuals to contribute towards planting trees in various districts across the country. Through donations of less than $2 per tree, sponsors can track the progress of their contribution digitally, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Photographer Mahmud Rahman has also mobilized community efforts through social media, transforming a neglected area near Dhaka's Gulshan Lake into a vibrant green space. Residents and volunteers are encouraged to participate in tree planting activities, fostering a sense of communal responsibility towards environmental conservation.

While tree planting initiatives offer hope in mitigating the impacts of heatwaves, environmental activists emphasize the importance of strategic planning. Protecting mature trees with large canopies and selecting native tree species are crucial steps in promoting biodiversity and providing effective shade and shelter.

City authorities are urged to adopt comprehensive strategies for urban greenery, incorporating input from specialists to ensure sustainable development. Proposals for new parks and eco-parks around water bodies demonstrate a step towards enhancing green spaces in urban areas.

In addition to tree planting, experts advocate for water management strategies and innovative urban greening practices to combat rising temperatures effectively. By embracing a holistic approach to environmental sustainability, Bangladesh aims to navigate the challenges posed by climate change and build resilient communities for the future.