Extreme Heat Waves Pose Grave Health Risks in Delhi and Kolkata
The looming threat of extreme heat waves in Indian cities like Delhi and Kolkata, exacerbated by global warming, poses a deadly risk to human health. If global temperatures surge by two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, millions in densely populated areas of India, Pakistan, and China will bear the brunt of these scorching conditions. The gravity of the situation intensifies as residents in these regions lack access to air-conditioners and effective cooling methods, leaving them vulnerable to the health hazards posed by extreme heat and humidity. The human body’s tolerance to specific combinations of heat and humidity becomes compromised, increasing the risks of heart attacks and heat strokes.
The research underscores that the impact of intensifying heat waves won’t spare even residents of developed or affluent countries. However, the study particularly emphasizes the vulnerability of regions with rapid population growth to the worst heat stress. The research advocates for urgent measures to curb the rise in temperatures, highlighting the pivotal role of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide. Failure to implement these changes poses a stark warning that middle-income and low-income countries will bear the brunt of the consequences, further exacerbating the disparities in the global impact of climate change.
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