The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) has released a comprehensive report titled “Mapping Climate Risks and Impacts of Extreme Heatwave Disasters in Indian Districts,” highlighting the escalating threat of extreme heat across India.
Key Findings:
- High Heat Risk Prevalence: Approximately 57% of Indian districts, encompassing 76% of the nation’s population, are currently categorized under high to very high heat risk levels.
- Rising Nighttime Temperatures: Around 70% of districts have experienced more than five additional very warm nights per summer over the past decade (2012–2022) compared to the baseline period (1982–2011).
- Increasing Humidity: Relative humidity in North India has surged by up to 10% over the last decade, intensifying heat stress, especially in traditionally arid regions.
- Urban Heat Islands: Major urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad are identified as high-risk zones due to the urban heat island effect, which exacerbates nighttime temperatures.
- Vulnerable Populations: Rural districts in states such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, home to large numbers of outdoor workers, are also facing heightened heat risks.
Recommendations:
The report emphasizes the need for:
- Enhanced Heat Action Plans: Incorporating factors like nighttime temperatures and humidity into heat risk assessments.
- Data-Driven Planning: Utilizing granular, district-level data to inform targeted interventions.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Implementing sustainable cooling solutions, such as cool roofs and heat shelters, especially in high-risk areas.
- Policy Integration: Leveraging funds from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to support heat resilience initiatives.
For a detailed understanding and to access the full report, you can download it here: Mapping Climate Risks and Impacts of Extreme Heatwave Disasters in Indian Districts (PDF).
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