Biju Dharmapalan
The India Meteorological Department(IMD) has issued a warning about a terrible heat wave in the country between April and June. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, typically with high temperatures significantly above the average for a particular region or time of year. Heat waves vary in duration and intensity but are generally characterized by several consecutive days or weeks of sweltering weather. Heat waves are common in India, particularly during summer, typically from April to June. The country experiences extreme heat due to its geographical location, with many regions having tropical and arid climates. During heat waves, temperatures often soar well above 40 degrees Celsius in many parts of the country, with some areas experiencing even higher temperatures. In recent years, heat waves in India have become more frequent, intense, and prolonged, a trend attributed in part to global climate change.
Heat waves can impact human health, infrastructure, agriculture, and the environment. They can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Heat waves can also strain energy systems, leading to increased electricity demand for air conditioning, and can cause heat-related damage to crops, livestock, and infrastructure. The regions that depend on hydroelectric power generation will be badly affected due to water scarcity in the reservoirs.
The increase in temperature is bound to cause difficulties for humans and every biological life on the planet. In many parts of southern India, like Kerala and Karnataka, where terrible summer temperatures are not present, the temperature is running above average and causing hardships to people. Severe water scarcity is reported from many parts, and animals dwelling inside the forests are coming to human habitats, resulting in animal-human conflicts. Wildfires are rampant in many parts of Nilgiri biosphere reserves. Intense heat waves can reverse the vegetation and agricultural practices in these regions.
Overcoming heat waves requires a combination of preventive measures and responsive actions. Personal protection measures like avoiding the scorching sun and drinking water are of utmost priority. We must advocate for proper urban planning measures that mitigate the urban heat island effect, such as increasing green spaces, planting trees, and implementing cool roofing techniques. Trees provide shade, significantly lowering temperatures in urban and suburban areas. Shade from trees can reduce surface temperatures by blocking direct sunlight, decreasing the urban heat island effect. Trees also release water vapour through evapotranspiration, which cools the surrounding air. This process helps to counteract the heat absorbed by urban surfaces like roads and buildings. In many parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, villagers used to plant trees like Neem, Tamarid, Ficus etc, on the sides of roads; this provided a necessary cooling effect for the travellers. However, due to the uniform national transport facility infrastructure implemented across the country, planting avenue trees has not been given priority.
Wherever possible, we should restrict the usage of air conditioners, that though reducing room temperature can increase the outside temperature by 2 oC. Focus should be given to the construction of green buildings with proper ventilation. Green roofs and walls utilize vegetation to insulate buildings, absorb solar radiation, and reduce heat transfer. They can help lower indoor temperatures and reduce the energy needed for cooling buildings. Following traditional architectural practices of the region that value the environment can substantially reduce the temperature.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves in many parts of the world, making them a growing concern for public health and safety in the coming years. To address the impacts of heat waves, the Indian government and various organizations have implemented measures such as heat wave preparedness plans, public awareness campaigns on heat safety, provision of cooling shelters and drinking water, and early warning systems. However, most of these momentary solutions lack long-term, futuristic vision. Bangalore, which was once known for its green urban areas and beautiful gardens, has now become a concrete jungle, and the people are suffering for their mistakes. Similar trends are observed in various other parts of the country, where development is prioritized at the expense of environmental degradation. It’s crucial for the public to demand sustainable development practices that prioritize environmental conservation alongside economic growth.
The public should have the courage to tell the political elite that they don’t want any developmental activity at the cost of the environment. In India, elections are not fought in the name of environment or climate; they are always fought for development and corruption. Its as if no one is concerned about the environment or our planet. Any developmental activity that forgets the environment will be like a Damocles sword hanging over our head that can hit us anytime, leading to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, both the public and policymakers must advocate for sustainable development strategies that safeguard the environment for future generations. Only through concerted efforts and visionary planning can we effectively combat the adverse impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for all.
(The author is a science communicator and an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore)
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