Introduction:
In 2022, India experienced its hottest April in 122 years. Moreover, the country experienced extreme weather on 242 out of 273 days between January and October 2022.
A new study titled ‘Lethal Heatwaves are Challenging India’s Sustainable Development’ by the researches of University of Cambridge published in the PLOS Climate journal has highlighted how deadly heat waves fueled by climate change threatens the reversal of India’s progress on poverty alleviation, health and economic growth. The study notes –
“the heatwave in the Indian subcontinent has had critical impacts on a broad range of interconnected systems of the built environment, health, etc., including frequent and more extended power outages, an increase in dust and ozone levels leading to spikes in air pollution and accelerated melting of glacier snow in the northern regions.”
Heatwaves have become a pressing concern in India, posing significant risks to public health, the economy, and the environment. As temperatures soar, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are on the rise, necessitating urgent action to address this growing crisis.
Escalating Temperatures and Climate Change:
Climate change plays a significant role in the increased occurrence and severity of heatwaves, exacerbating the challenges faced by the country.
The Health Impacts and Vulnerable Populations:
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the health risks associated with heatwaves, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and respiratory issues. Vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and outdoor workers are particularly susceptible to these health hazards.
Economic Consequences and Sectoral Impact:
Heatwaves have far-reaching implications for the economy, with sectors such as agriculture, labor-intensive industries, and energy being particularly vulnerable.
Climate Change and Increased Heatwave Risk:
Climate change has made heatwaves at least two times more likely in certain regions, such as Uttar Pradesh. This highlights the critical connection between climate change and the intensification of heatwaves, necessitating focused efforts to address the root causes.
Underreporting and Lack of Data:
Concerns have been raised about the lack of accurate data on heatwave-related deaths in India. There is a need of comprehensive reporting and monitoring systems to gain a true understanding of the scale of the impact and guide effective interventions.
Extensive Vulnerability to Heatwaves:
Approximately 90% of India is vulnerable to the impact of heatwaves. This staggering statistic underscores the need for robust adaptation strategies and policies to protect vulnerable communities and build resilience.
Addressing the Heatwave Crisis:
To combat the escalating heatwave crisis in India, urgent actions are required. Here are some potential measures that can be undertaken:
- Strengthening public health interventions, including early warning systems and heatwave preparedness plans, to ensure the protection of at-risk populations.
- Raising awareness and educating the public about the risks associated with heatwaves and promoting adaptive behaviors to mitigate their effects.
- Incorporating heat-resilient infrastructure and green spaces in urban planning to mitigate the urban heat island effect and provide cooling relief.
- Transitioning to sustainable energy sources and implementing efficient water management strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address water scarcity during heatwaves.
- Developing climate-resilient agricultural practices and supporting farmers with access to technology and alternative livelihood options to enhance their resilience to heatwaves.
- Strengthening research efforts, collecting accurate data, and analyzing the impacts of heatwaves on health, economics, and the environment to inform evidence-based decision-making.
Conclusion:
The impact of heatwaves in India demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to mitigate their effects. By implementing adaptation strategies, strengthening infrastructure, promoting sustainable practices, and prioritizing the protection of vulnerable populations, India can build resilience to heatwaves and create a safer and more sustainable future.
Important Data Points:
- Indian heatwaves could cross the survivability limit for a healthy human resting in the shade by 2050.
- Heatwaves will impact the labour productivity, economic growth, and quality of life of around 310–480 million people.
- Estimates show a 15% decrease in outdoor working capacity (i.e., working outdoors in high temperatures, e.g., construction worker) during daylight hours due to extreme heat by 2050.
- A Lancet Report projected heatwaves will intensify from these 2050 baseline estimates, affecting around 600 million Indians by 2100.
- The increased heat is expected to cost India 2.8%, and 8.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and depressed living standards by 2050 and 2100, respectively.
Important for Prelims:
In India, Heat waves typically occur from March to June, and in some rare cases, even extend till July. On an average, five-six heat wave events occur every year over the northern parts of the country. Single events can last weeks, occur consecutively, and can impact large population. In 2016, severe heat wave conditions affected Bihar, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
What is criterion for declaring heat wave in India?
Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
a) Based on Departure from Normal Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.50°C to 6.40°C Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.40degree C
b) Based on Actual Maximum Temperature Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 450°C Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47
c) If above criteria met at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days and it declared on the second day.
What is a criterion for describing Heat Wave for coastal stations in India?
When maximum temperature departure is 4.50°C or more from normal, Heat Wave may be described provided actual maximum temperature is 370°C or more. The peak month of the heat wave over India is May.
https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000156
POINT IAS 