Extreme Heat Challenges and Mitigation in India
Despite recent dust storms and rainfall, Delhi's temperatures remain high, with some areas exceeding 40°C. High humidity levels exacerbate the situation, making it feel like 50°C. While a neutral El Niño effect offers some relief compared to previous years, long-term climate trends are concerning.
Current Climate Trends
- Wednesday recorded the highest minimum temperature of the season at 30.2°C, 3.5°C above normal.
- A CEEW report notes increases in warm days and nights across India, with rising humidity in northern and central regions.
Impact of Heat
The slow-onset disaster of heat can lead to depopulation and uninhabitable regions. Specific effects include:
- Impacts on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).
- Risk to labor-intensive sectors like street-vending and construction.
- Heat inequity where the wealthy afford cooling while the poor cannot.
Mitigation Strategies
Insurance Cover
Heatwave insurance exists but is not yet mainstream. It can compensate for work lost during extreme heat spells.
Cooling Solutions
- Active cooling: Expensive options like ACs and innovative tech.
- Passive cooling: Affordable, scalable solutions like window shades and green cover.
Resilience in Response
Overburdened health services and public infrastructure require improved resilience through proper construction and heat-mitigation measures.
Data for Planning
The IMD is refining impact-based forecasting models and using AI for better heat stress measurement and prediction, aiding policymakers in planning.
Heat Action Plans (HAPs)
- HAPs have been successfully implemented in urban areas, identifying heat hotspots.
- They should be integrated into local governance and existing development programs, with cross-department collaboration.
- Incorporating heat mitigation into government schemes can enhance urban greening and resource management.
Efforts by the NDMA and home ministry to finalize a 'National Framework for Heatwave Mitigation and Management' highlight the importance of decentralization, community participation, and multi-sectoral focus.
Strengthening coping mechanisms for vulnerable populations is crucial to addressing the impacts of extreme heat on citizens and the environment.
