- Environmentalists the world over have been crying hoarse over the extremely debilitating effects of global warming. The present precarious situation can be traced to the unbridled exploitation of fossil fuels, leading to carbon emissions that create havoc in the atmosphere. Thus, the greenhouse effect has turned the planet Earth into a veritable ticking bomb, leading to considerable changes in environmental patterns of late. The extremely unpredictable weather patterns courtesy of El Nino and La Nina have become a constant occurrence, leading to erratic weather patterns. The increasing incidents of heatwaves, extremely cold conditions, droughts, famine, storms, cyclones, unseasonal rains, and snowfalls have become regular occurrences too.
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- As it is, India is known for its prevailing heat conditions, especially during the summer months. People in the northern parts of the country are quite accustomed to enduring extreme heat conditions during April and July. In comparison, southern India was always known for moderate weather conditions, making life that much more comfortable. However, the vagaries of weather seem to have caught up with this part of the country too, with the temperatures shooting up to record levels. As reported, heat waves have forced schools to close in parts of Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Tripura. The Met’s warning of nine states facing heatwaves simultaneously is a new temperature record. Some other states will follow suit as well to deal with the situation.
- As mentioned above, heat waves have become India’s new normal: longer, more frequent, and deadlier. The repercussions are manifold for people, resources, and growth prospects. A Lancet study last October reported a 55% increase in heat-related deaths over the past 17 years in India. Among those over 65, heat-related deaths increased from 20,000 in 2000–2004 to 31,000 in 2017–2021. Yet India barely records heat-related deaths. A Climate Transparency report found India lost 5.4% of its GDP to heatwaves in 2021, the highest among G20 nations. Thinktank CPR’s analysis of heat action plans noted that 66% of India’s workers are exposed to heat in their open-air jobs: from airports’ outdoor staff to miners and construction workers, from traffic policemen to street vendors.
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- Yet beyond the details of how heat strokes can kill us, the commoner is left to their own devices to tackle the intense heat. Heat action plans (HAPs) must be integral to how we plan the growth of our cities. Simple measures go a long way, especially in dry weather. What does it take to mandate drinking water at work sites, reduce/reschedule work hours, allow natural shade, and create shelters at work sites? Cool, rehydrate, and rest are simple recipes that must be taken seriously. HAPs had not identified vulnerable groups and were designed for dry heat without considering local humidity levels. Mind you, the Parliament was informed last year about the Met working with 23 states on HAPs to be implemented in 2023. The heatwaves are here, where are the plans?
