The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert due to severe heatwave in eastern India, including West Bengal and Odisha. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the humidity could further worsen people's inconvenience in the southern part of the country. Last week, Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Gadkari fainted while addressing an election rally in eastern Maharashtra's Yavatmal district in the intense heat.
Of course, heatwaves have always been a part of summer. But climate change is making these scorching heat periods even more extreme. An IMD report earlier this month warned that high temperatures could persist for an extended period in the country this summer. In both reports, authorities advise people to watch for symptoms such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These conditions can be life-threatening if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you develop any symptoms. Last year's sunstroke tragedy in Navi Mumbai highlighted the need to prepare for changeable weather conditions. As experts now point out, the effects of rising temperatures in some regions of the country will be further exacerbated by humidity factors. The Navi Mumbai tragedy is now being seen as a result of the combined effects of heat and humidity. According to IMD, such “moist heat stress” has increased by more than 30% since 1990. Last year's Global Weather Attribution Study found that “South Asia's extreme heat and humidity in April 2023 was primarily driven by climate change.” And it is harmful to vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. ”
protect people
In an article in this newspaper (“Health on a hot Planet'', IE, April 26), public health expert and Distinguished Professor of Public Health K. Srinath Reddy argues that a warming world He emphasized the challenges it poses. “While the effects of progressively more severe heat stress (heat exhaustion, heat stroke, circulatory failure, and death) are well known, the impact of severe or prolonged heat exposure on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is well known. NCDs are not often discussed in public, but they can cause significant health damage due to their acute and chronic effects. , with the majority occurring during productive middle age,” he wrote.
The heat wave also sends a message that countries need to develop policies that strengthen people's protection against climate change. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court also underlined such an obligation by recognizing the right of the people of India to be free from the negative effects of global warming. The manifestos of major political parties, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress, make the right case for sustainability. They have been doing so for about 10 years. But in a country notorious for air and water pollution, environmental issues have not yet become an election issue. It's one thing to give manifestos space to raise issues, but it's another to use elections to build momentum for the environment and sustainability. Unlike some regions of the world, including developing and emerging countries in Latin America, Indian voters are finding themselves lacking candidates who prioritize climate and environmental issues.
make difficult choices
Addressing environmental issues requires difficult choices and hard decisions to be made at both societal and governmental levels. The lack of conversation on these issues during India's biggest celebration of democracy is therefore worrying. The lack of swell has serious implications in emergencies where environmental intervention manifests itself as a top-down approach to some people, such as extreme pollution.
India has the highest population exposure to extreme weather events, and the proportion has been increasing since 2010. According to the study, climate change could shave off 3-4 per cent of India's GDP over the next decade due to heat and climate-induced labor loss. moisture. Disruptions caused by climate change could lead to large-scale migration, which in turn could affect the way politics is conducted.
Securing jobs, making agriculture sustainable, strengthening national and energy security, providing housing and expanding health facilities will be a mandate for whatever party comes to power after June 4. It is becoming increasingly clear that such policies will only succeed if they take into account the challenges of climate change. change.
Until next time,
be careful
Kaushik
© Indian Express Private Limited
First upload date: April 28, 2024, 18:58 IST
