CLIMATE CHANGE AND

THE VULNERABILITY OF
HEAT WAVES IN INDIA
401. TARUNA AHIRE
402.MUSHTAQE ANSARI
403. TANISHA ATHAWALE
404.AKASH ATUGADE
405.PRIYA AVHAD
 WELCOME TO OUR
PRESENTATION
1. Introduction to Climate Change and Heatwaves
2. Climate Change in India
3. Heatwaves in India: Trends and Patterns
4. Factors Contributing to Heatwaves
5. Impact of Heatwaves on Health and Society
6.Urban Heat Island Effect
7. Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies
8. Case Studies of Notable Heatwave Events
9.Role of Government and Policy
10.Public Awareness and Education
CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEAT WAVES
→ Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of Earth's average weather patterns,
including shifts in temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, primarily caused by human
activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Its impacts include rising global
temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme w disruptions to ecosystems, and threats to food and
water security

→ Heat waves are prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures, often accompanied by
high humidity levels. These events typically last for several days to weeks and occur when
temperatures are significantly higher than the historical average for a particular region. Heat
waves can lead to stifling conditions, increased demand for cooling, and health-related issues
such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The characteristics of heat waves include a rapid
temperature increase, minimal temperature drop during the night (known as "tropical nights"),
and a lack of relief from cooler breezes.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND HEAT WAVES IN INDIA
Climate change in India is a pressing concern with,
→ Rising temperatures
→ Changing precipitation patterns
→ lncreased frequency of extreme weather events.
The country faces challenges such as water scarcity, agricultural
disruptions, and threats to biodiversity. The Indian government has taken
steps to address this issue, including the development of renewable
energy sources and policies to mitigate emissions. However, significant
efforts are still needed to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate
change.

Heat waves in India have been showing certain trends and patterns in
recent years. There has been an observed increase in the frequency,
intensity, and duration of heat waves across the country. This can be
attributed to a combination of factors including climate change,
urbanization, and land-use changes. The warming climate due to global
warming is contributing to the rising temperatures during summer
months.
 Factors contributing to heat waves
Climate Change: Global warming
caused by the buildup of Ocean Currents: Changes in
greenhouse gases in the ocean currents can influence
atmosphere is a major driver of temperature and humidity
heat waves. Rising average patterns, affecting air masses that
temperatures can increase the move over land and potentially
likelihood and intensity of
leading to heat waves.
extreme heat events. .

Geographical Features: Geographical features like deserts and

urban areas can intensify heat waves. Deserts have low moisture
content and absorb heat, while urban areas with concrete and
asphalt can create urban heat islands, trapping heat and causing
temperatures to rise.
 Impact heat waves on health and
society
Heat waves can have significant impacts on both health and society.
High temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat
exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Vulnerable
populations, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-
existing health conditions, are particularly at risk.

Heat waves can strain healthcare systems as hospitals see an increase

in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. Additionally, heat can
worsen air quality, leading to respiratory problems.

Society-wide, heat waves can disrupt daily life. They can cause power
outages as demand for air conditioning surges, and they can damage
crops and livestock, affecting food production. Economic productivity
may decline due to discomfort and health issues among workers.
ADAPTION AND MITIGATION
STRATEGIES

Adaptation strategies for heat waves involve actions like improving

urban planning, creating cooling centers, and raising public
awareness.

Mitigation strategies include reducing greenhouse gas emissions,

increasing green spaces, and promoting energy-efficient practices.
Both approaches are important for addressing the impacts of heat
waves on communities and the environment.
 CASE STUDIES

2015 Heat Wave: In May 2015, a severe heat wave struck India,
particularly affecting the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Temperatures soared above 45°C (113°F), resulting in over 2,500 deaths

2019 Heat Wave: In June 2019, a heat wave struck northern and central
India. Temperatures reached as high as 50°C (122°F) in some areas. The
extreme heat led to multiple deaths and affected daily life, including
disruptions in water and power supply.

2020 Heat Wave: In May 2020, several parts of India faced a heat wave
with temperatures exceeding 47°C (116.6°F) in places like Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh. The heat wave compounded challenges posed by the
COVID-19 pandemic.

.
 ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND POLICES
A Heat wave
Action plan:
A Heat Waves Action Plan:
The adverse impacts of heat
waves indicate that effective
disaster adaptation
strategies and more robust
disaster management
policies are required in
heatwave zones to lessen
the impact of heatwaves.
EARLY WARNING SYSTEM
Early Warning Systems: Death from heat
waves can be prevented by installing
improved early warning systems that
communicate heatwave threats,
recommend different preventative
measures, and constrain disaster
impacts.
Disseminating public awareness
through print, electronic and social
media, providing heat-proof shelter
facilities during summer, easing
access to public drinking water, and
huge afforestation in urban and rural
areas would help mitigate heatwave
fatalities.
Declaration of
Local Level Preparedness:
Heat Waves as a
Natural Disaster:
Heatwave is India’s second most lethal
Recognising heat waves as a disaster after the flood. Declaring heat
major disaster is long due. waves as a natural disaster would help
India still has a long way to go the state and district administration
in building public awareness, prepare a heatwave action plan at the
particularly on how individuals
and local communities can
regional level.This will help build
take care of themselves Also, resilience infrastructure, develop early
there needs to be clear warning infrastructure, and create
guidelines regarding when to public awareness.
shut schools or about the
It is also crucial to prepare a database
optimal ranges of
at the district level involving the age,
temperatures that a
household AC should be kept gender, and occupation of people who
at or how long one should have died due to heatwaves.
stay outdoors if that’s
unavoidable..
PUBLIC AWARENESS
AND EDUCATION
1. Communication Channels: Using various
channels such as social media, TV, radio,
and community events to ensure that the
information reaches a wide audience.

2. School Programs: Integrating heat wave

awareness into school curricula to ensure
that children are informed about the risks
and protective measures.

3. Vulnerable Populations: Targeting

education efforts towards vulnerable
groups like the elderly, children, and those
with pre-existing health conditions who are
more susceptible to heat-related illnesses
Conclusion
1 The vulnerability of heat waves in India is a critical issue

exacerbated by climate change.

Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and urbanization contribute

2 to the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves, putting populations

at risk.

3 Addressing this challenge requires a multifaceted approach, including sustaina

planning, improved infrastructure, public awareness,

International cooperation to mitigate the impacts of climate change

4
and protect

5 Vulnerable communities from the health and socioeconomic

consequences of heat waves
THANK YOU