📷 Image Credits: The Indian Express
Climate Crisis: Heatwaves and Humidity Threaten Lives in India
A surge in high maximum temperatures is currently affecting large parts of India, leading to an extended and exceptionally hot heatwave resulting in record-breaking day temperatures. Several states, including Delhi, Bihar, Odisha, and Gujarat, have reported casualties due to the intense heat. What makes these heatwaves particularly dangerous are the rising humidity levels and warmer nights
Cities are experiencing heightened temperatures and humidity due to urbanization and declining green cover. As a result, urban areas are becoming more prone to intense and deadly heatwaves, especially affecting vulnerable populations who struggle to find relief from the scorching heat. The urban heat island effect is significantly impacting cities’ air temperatures, with structures like buildings, pavements, and roads absorbing and emitting more heat than natural features like trees and water bodies.
A study conducted by scholars from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bhubaneswar, revealed a notable increase in nighttime temperatures across 141 Indian cities from 2003-2020. The study highlighted a significant warming trend in urban areas due to urbanization. Another study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) noted a reduction in the temperature difference between day and night in urban settings over the years, indicating a decline in nighttime cooling.
Experts emphasize the importance of long-term solutions such as planting more trees and reducing the density of built-up areas to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Climate change is taking a toll on India’s most vulnerable populations, with the heatwave exacerbating the risks associated with high temperatures and humidity.
The combination of increased temperatures, humidity, and warmer nights poses severe health risks to individuals, disrupting the body’s ability to regulate temperature through sweating. Experts caution about the impacts of prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, resulting in dehydration, salt imbalances, and potential organ malfunctions. Studies have shown a direct correlation between rising temperatures and an increase in heat-related mortality events.
Overall, the rising temperatures, high humidity, and warmer nights are making summers extremely perilous in India. The urgency to address the urban heat island effect, adopt climate mitigation strategies, and protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of heatwaves is more critical than ever before.
