Impact of climate change on heatwave

Source: The post attribution science studies the impact of climate change on specific weather events (heatwave) has been created, based on the article “Explained Climate: Heatwaves and climate change” published in “Indian express” on 15th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1– geography- Important Geophysical phenomena (heatwave)

Context: The article discusses how climate change has made extreme heat more likely in eastern and southern India. It highlights the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, their health impacts, and the need for better heat action plans and regulations to mitigate these effects. Impact of climate change on heatwave

For detailed information on Heatwaves in India read this Article here

What is Attribution science?

Attribution science studies the impact of climate change on specific weather events. It uses new tools and methodologies to determine if climate change made an event more or less likely. Scientists have been cautious about linking individual weather events to climate change.

However, recent advancements allow for more accurate assessments. For example, the World Weather Attribution group found that April’s extreme heat in eastern and southern India was 45 times more likely due to climate change.

This field is becoming crucial for understanding climate change’s effects.

How has climate change increased heatwaves?

This is the third consecutive year that early summer heatwaves in India have been attributed to climate change.

For example, Odisha experienced an 18-day heatwave in April, one of its longest ever.

Gangetic West Bengal recorded the most heatwave days in 15 years.

Eastern India had its warmest April ever, illustrating the growing impact of climate change on heatwaves.

What are the concerns of heatwaves in India?

Heat waves cause severe health issues like dehydration, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and sudden deaths.

Data on heat-related illnesses and deaths in India is poorly maintained. In 2022, the Health Ministry reported only 33 heat-related deaths, but the NCRB reported 730 deaths. The Health Ministry reported 264 heat-related deaths in the first six months of 2023.

Early warnings and heat action plans have reduced heat-related deaths, but recent trends show an increase, possibly due to better reporting or more severe heatwaves.

How are heatwaves mitigated?

Heat Action Plans: 

Twenty-three states in India have heat action plans to manage heatwaves. These plans help reduce the impact of extreme heat on people.

Experts emphasize the need for adequate funding for heat action plans to enhance their effectiveness.

Public Measures:

Cool drinking water is provided at public places.

Oral rehydration solutions are distributed to prevent dehydration.

Parks and shaded places are made accessible to offer relief from the heat.

Regulation of Activities:

Schools and colleges are closed during peak hours to protect students from the heat.

Local administrations regulate activities in unorganized sectors like construction during peak heat hours.

Office timings can be adjusted to avoid peak heat.

Organized outdoor activities, including sports, are strictly regulated.

Question for practice:

Examine how climate change has impacted the frequency and severity of heatwaves in eastern and southern India, and discuss the measures implemented to mitigate their effects.