About Heat Crisis
- Recent data confirms that 2023 marked the hottest year on record, signaling a disturbing trend of increasing global temperatures. This trend poses significant threats to urban and rural areas alike, particularly as cities expand at the cost of natural landscapes. Experts predict that for those born in 2023, it may be the coolest year of their lives, hinting at the severe climate challenges ahead.
The immediate threat posed by heat waves
- As summer progresses across the Indian Subcontinent, the immediate threat posed by heat waves becomes more pronounced. Heat waves, characterized by unusually high temperatures and often exacerbated by increased humidity, significantly impact health. The combination of heat and humidity, referred to as "moist heat," increases the stress on the human body.
- According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there has been a 30% increase in moist heat stress from 1980 to 2020, underscoring the growing impact of these climate-related events.
Health Impacts of Heat Exposure
The health ramifications of global warming are extensive and multifaceted, impacting human, animal, and plant health.
Direct consequences include:
- Physical stress from heat: Increased body temperature can lead to dehydration, inability of the skin to cool the body through perspiration, and dilatation of blood vessels and thickening of blood with increased risk of clot formation (thrombosis).
- Extreme weather: Events like heatwaves exacerbate public health crises by directly affecting vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, and those with pre-existing conditions.
- A global study published in 2022 covering 266 studies found that heat waves are linked to a 11.7% increase in mortality.
- The most significant risks were for stroke and coronary heart disease. As the population ages and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity become more prevalent, each 1°C increase in temperature could significantly amplify the risk of severe cardiovascular events.
- Spread of diseases: Changes in climate affect the distribution of mosquitoes and other vectors, leading to the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue.
- Worsening non-communicable diseases: Heat contributes to higher incidences of strokes, heart attacks, respiratory diseases, and other chronic conditions.
- Even as of now, NCDs contribute to 65 per cent of deaths in India — a majority of them in productive mid-life. The heat effects of climate change will only exacerbate the problem.
- Mental health: he psychological impact of climate events can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Infrastructure strain: Health systems face increased demand not only from direct heat effects but also from the displacement of populations and damage to healthcare facilities due to extreme weather.
Environmental and Societal Consequences
- Wildfires: triggered by excessive heat release particulate matter (PM 2.5) and toxic chemicals (ozone, carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic compounds and nitrogen dioxide) can cause extensive inflammation, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes, heart rhythm abnormalities, pulmonary embolism, heart failure), respiratory disease, diabetes and pre-diabetes. Chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde (also present in wildfire emissions) increase the risk of cancer.
- Agricultural impact: Heat stress combined with water scarcity reduces crop yields and nutrient quality, jeopardizing food security.
- Countries in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa currently grow staples (like rice and wheat) at the highest levels of heat tolerance. A further increase of 1 degree centigrade will lower their yield by 10 per cent. The crops will also be more deficient in zinc, protein and iron.
- The Data Sciences Centre of Columbia University has estimated that if global warming continues unabated, India of 2050 will have 49 million more zinc deficient persons and 38.2 million new protein deficient persons, while 106.1 million children and 396 million women would be iron deficient.
- Protective foods like fruit, vegetables and fish would be depleted. These foods reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- Rising ocean temperatures will flood coastal agriculture while reducing fish yields.
- Biodiversity loss: Rising temperatures threaten biodiversity, which is crucial for maintaining resilient food systems and access to nutritious wild foods.
Adaptive Strategies for a Warmer World
In response to these challenges, it is critical to develop comprehensive adaptation strategies that include:
- Heat action plans: Tailored for both urban and rural settings, these plans aim to mitigate the impact of heatwaves.
- Climate-resilient systems: Enhancements in food and healthcare systems to withstand climate changes are essential.
- Public education and infrastructure: Educating the public and healthcare providers about heat risks and protective measures is crucial. Infrastructure improvements, such as heat-reflective building materials and increased green spaces, are also vital.
- Personal protection measures: Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, using umbrellas or hats, and increasing water intake are practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves from heat.
As the planet faces unprecedented warming, the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and adapt to its inevitable impacts becomes increasingly crucial. Both systemic and individual level changes are essential to safeguard global health against the rising tide of heat-related challenges.