[Answered] Examine the key factors contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves in Indian cities. Discuss the potential impacts on public health and urban infrastructure. (250 words)

Indian cities are experiencing a surge in the frequency and intensity of heat waves.

Key Factors Contributing to Heatwaves

• Global Warming: The primary culprit is global warming, caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Rising global temperatures create a baseline for hotter weather, making heat waves more likely.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities act as giant heat traps. Buildings, roads, and pavement absorb and retain heat more efficiently than natural landscapes. This effect, coupled with reduced vegetation cover, leads to significantly higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding regions.
• Reduced Water Bodies: Shrinking lakes, ponds, and rivers due to urbanization and climate change decrease natural cooling mechanisms. These water bodies typically absorb heat and release it through evaporation, helping to regulate temperatures.

Potential Impacts on Public Health

• Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition, and heat exhaustion, which can cause symptoms like dehydration, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Increased Mortality: Studies have shown a correlation between heatwaves and increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
• Mental Health Impacts: High temperatures and the stress associated with heat waves can contribute to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and heat-induced aggression.

Potential Impacts on Urban Infrastructure

• Increased Energy Consumption: Heatwaves lead to higher demand for electricity due to the extensive use of air conditioning and cooling systems. This can strain the power grid and lead to outages.
• Increased Water Demand: Heatwaves significantly increase water consumption for drinking, cooling, and irrigation, putting pressure on urban water supply systems.
• Building Stress: High temperatures can affect the integrity of buildings, especially those not designed for extreme heat, leading to increased cooling costs and potential structural damage.

Conclusion

The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves in Indian cities pose a serious threat to public health and urban infrastructure. Addressing climate change through sustainable practices and implementing heat mitigation strategies as implemented in Ahmedabad like promoting green spaces, cool pavements, and improved urban planning are crucial steps towards building more resilient cities.