RISING TEMPERATURES AND CLIMATE CHANGE: IMPACT OF HEAT WAVES IN INDIA
Severe heatwaves in India in April have brought temperatures soaring above 40℃ for days on end, causing widespread discomfort and health risks for millions of people. According to a global team of scientists from the World Weather Attribution (WWA) group, human-induced climate change has played a significant role in exacerbating these extreme weather events.
The team of 13 scientists from universities and meteorological agencies in Sweden, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom (UK) conducted a collaborative study to analyze the impact of climate change on the recent heatwave across Asia. Their findings suggest that climate change has made this year’s heatwave 1°C hotter, with the existing El Niño conditions adding a further 0.2°C to the intensity.
As the planet is now 1.2°C warmer than before the industrial revolution, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected to increase. The study predicts that similar heatwaves are likely to occur about once every 10 years, posing a significant threat to public health and safety. The recent heatwave in India, which persisted for over 20 days in some regions, set new heat records and pushed temperatures 6-7℃ above the seasonal average.
The impact of these extreme temperatures is particularly severe for vulnerable populations, such as those living in poverty with limited access to healthcare and clean drinking water. Informal housing residents, farmers, construction workers, and street vendors are among the most affected by extreme heat, facing increased risks of heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
Despite the existence of heat action plans, the researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive measures to protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of extreme heat. Workplace interventions, such as scheduled rest breaks and fixed work hours, should be implemented to address heat stress and ensure the safety of all workers in affected regions.
The study’s findings underscore the urgent need for global action to reduce emissions and limit warming to 1.5°C to prevent further escalation of heatwaves and their devastating consequences. Without significant efforts to curb climate change, extreme heat events will continue to pose a serious threat to public health and well-being, particularly in regions like South Asia where the impacts are most acutely felt.