The summer has been extremely hot and brutal for the northern parts of India. The situation does not seem to get better until the arrival of monsoons in early July. But do the surging temperatures and heat waves in India indicate something alarming and revealing about the climate’s future, or is it yet another year of hot summers?
The article will examine the current scenario and possible outcomes of climate change. Furthermore, it will examine some of the safety aspects that will promote strategies to tackle heat waves.
The blog also explores the relationship between climate change and heat waves and its notable consequences.
An Alarming Situation: Heat Waves In India
Summer has always been hot in North India. Every year, people hear about the rise in temperature and its consequences. However, this year, things are relatively warmer and hazardous for people outdoors.
Some major cities and northern towns are reporting a constant temperature of 45-50 degrees Celsius—there have been some corrections to the existing recordings. However, it’s still very hot, and summer days are longer.
Impact On Life And Economy
There are plenty of health issues associated with heat waves, so it is advisable to stay indoors during the day. However, in most cases, people who need to work during the day to feed their families are affected the most severely.
Health issues caused by heat waves:
- Heat strokes
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Sweating
Heatwaves also affect a nation’s economy as people are less likely to go out and spend money. Thus, they affect the economic flow of cash and resources. At the same time, farmers face many problems when growing their crops.
Energy Consumption
Power outages are common in the summer season, which can cause a lot of trouble for people indoors.
Trends in increasing temperatures over the years
As the temperature has risen over the years, it has always been hotter near the equatorial region of Earth. However, in recent decades, the rise in temperature has been three times greater than in the last two centuries. Thus, it clearly indicates that something is behind the increase in temperature, resulting in its acceleration.
- 0.11° Fahrenheit per decade since 1850.
- From 1982: 0.36° F per decade.
Scientific Explanation For Heat Waves In India
Heat waves are formed when the air pressure over a region becomes hot for a prolonged period. This can last 2-3 days and can cause a lot of problems for people residing in cities and dense areas.
There are plenty of reasons for heat waves in the country—deforestation and summer being the most notable ones. However, the main reason for the hot temperature is greenhouse gases, which further cause global warming.
Future Projections And Global Climate Change
It’s no surprise that the temperature will rise in the future, considering the present data. But it’s not the end of the world, as measures can make a difference. First of all, it’s essential to understand the concept of climate change and then act accordingly.
Nonetheless, the present efforts will contribute drastically to the future outcomes of the existing processes.
Societal Impacts Of Rising Temperature
The most impacted people are the lower classes of the socio-economic sector. These people have to work outdoors while simultaneously facing intense heat. These people are present in both urban and rural areas. Out of these communities, children and the elderly face the biggest issues.
Effects on Infrastructure
The different impacts of heat waves on the infrastructure also reduce human efforts.
- Over Heating In Power grids
- Minimal Water supply
- Tiring And Risky Transportation
Adaptation Strategies Against Heat Waves
Apart from initiating different efforts against climate change, the best option is to adapt to nature. Different strategies should be implemented on the national and even global levels. Finally, starting different campaigns in the country is important for promoting green infrastructure throughout the nation.
- Introducing Campaigns
- Building Infrastructure
- Promoting Sustainability
Examples Of Effective Heat Wave Management
One of the most compelling case studies against heat management in the nation comes from Gujarat. The Ahmedabad authorities planned a strategy to tackle the summer heat. In their plan, they introduced quality strategies and mechanisms that helped the citizens and made a big difference.
- Initiating an Early Warning System and Inter-Agency Coordination
- Draft Ahmedabad Cool Roofs Program
- Reducing Heat Exposure and Promoting Adaptive Measures
Conclusion
Heatwaves in India indicate a changing climate, with summer temperatures rising to 45-50 degrees Celsius. These conditions have significant health and economic impacts, including heat strokes, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and sweating.
The rising temperature is primarily due to greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming. The socio-economic sector, particularly children and the elderly is most affected. Heatwaves also affect infrastructure, leading to overheating in power grids, minimal water supply, and risky transportation.
Adaptation strategies, such as introducing campaigns, building infrastructure, and promoting sustainability, are essential to combating climate change. The Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan in Gujarat is an example of effective heat wave management.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What are heat waves in India?
The abnormal increase in the temperature of a city during the summer season.
Which city is the hottest in India?
Churu, Rajasthan, is one of the hottest cities in India.
Why is it so hot in India?
Global warming is one of the leading causes of increasing temperatures throughout the world.
