AIR- Staying Safe during heat waves | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Heatwaves

• Heatwaves occur when a region faces prolonged periods of extremely high temperatures, exceeding seasonal averages.
• A persistent high-pressure system can trigger heatwaves by trapping warm air, inhibiting heat dissipation.
• Vulnerable groups like the elderly and individuals with health conditions are at high risk of heat-related illnesses.
• Heatwaves can stress ecosystems, reduce agricultural yields, and escalate the risk of wildfires due to dry conditions.
• Measures like heat action plans and cooling centers are implemented to counter heatwave impacts.

Health Impacts of Heat Waves

• Heatwaves can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, overwhelming the body's temperature regulation.
• Symptoms include profuse sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and even loss of consciousness.
• High temperatures and sweating can cause dehydration, potentially leading to electrolyte imbalances and organ damage.
• Respiratory conditions such as asthma can worsen during heatwaves, compounded by air pollution.
• Extreme heat can strain the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart-related issues.
• Prolonged exposure to heatwaves can impact mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Reasons for Increased Heat Waves in India

• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures elevate the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
• Urbanization: Growing cities trap heat, raising temperatures locally.
• Deforestation: Reduced tree cover diminishes natural cooling effects, contributing to higher temperatures.
• Air Pollution: Pollution exacerbates heat retention, intensifying heatwave severity.
• Water Scarcity: Drought conditions worsen heatwave impacts, affecting agriculture and public health.

Government Initiatives to Tackle Climate Change

• National Solar Mission: Promotes solar energy adoption and boosts solar power capacity in India.
• Green India Mission: Focuses on afforestation, reforestation, and forest conservation for carbon sequestration.
• Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Enhances energy efficiency in industries through tradable energy-saving certificates.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Framework addressing climate change resilience and mitigation across sectors.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM): Promotes solar power among farmers through subsidies.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for Smart Cities.

Way Forward

• Develop localized climate risk atlases at a national scale.
• Enhance research and development efforts to achieve climate targets.
• Identify heat hotspots, implement Heat Action Plans, and coordinate responses for vulnerable groups.
• Review and update occupational health standards for worker safety in changing climatic conditions.
• Coordinate policies across health, water, and power sectors to address climate challenges.
• Promote traditional adaptation practices and simple design features for climate resilience.
• Democratize climate data and engage other countries in climate action.
• Implement bans on single-use plastics and integrate climate change into developmental agendas.
• Invest in research and development for sustainable climate-friendly innovations.
• India's carbon emission reduction targets require political will, engagements, and sustainable strategies.
• Global cooperation, especially among major emitters, is crucial for net-zero emissions commitments.