According to a World Bank Report, India's Heatwaves Threaten Human Survival
India is expected to experience more intense and frequent heatwaves, with rising temperatures forecast in the coming weeks. The high humidity levels in India further compound the risks of heat stress for the population, as sweating may not be more in these conditions. This stresses the urgent need for effective measures to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves, such as providing access to cool shelters and adequate ventilation, as well as improving public health education on how to stay safe during extreme heat, etc.
It is also important to recognize the impacts of climate change as it increases the frequency and intensity of heat waves in India. There is a need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming. The country's unique geography and climate make it particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming, with rising temperatures leading to more frequent and deadly heat waves. The wet-bulb reading, a measurement that combines air temperature and relative humidity, provides a better gauge of heat stress on the human body than just air temperature alone.
India is facing increasingly intense heat waves, and the problem is only getting worse. The impact of heat waves in India is further compounded by their effects on agriculture, as crops can suffer severe damage during extreme heat events, leading to food shortages and economic losses. Power outages caused by heat waves can also lead to disruptions in essential services such as healthcare and water supply.
The root cause of India's heat wave problem lies in the fact that the background temperature has increased by about 1.5°C since the pre-industrial period. This, combined with the urban heat island effect and deforestation, has led to dangerously high temperatures. Hotter heat waves, which tend to last longer, are particularly deadly, especially given the rapid population increase over the last few decades. Overall, India must urgently address the root causes of its heat wave problem or risk devastating consequences for its people and environment.