Staggering 75% of India’s Population Faces ‘High’ to ‘Very High’ Heat Risk: Insights from the CEEW Study

About 57% of Indian districts, where 76% of the population resides, face high to very high heat risk, according to a new study from the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The report highlights that states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are among the most affected.

The study analyzed climate data from the last 40 years and found that very warm nights are rising faster than very hot days. This trend can be alarming because high nighttime temperatures prevent the body from cooling down, increasing health risks.

In cities, this effect is worse due to the urban heat island phenomenon, where urban areas are hotter than their rural counterparts. For example, Mumbai has seen an increase of 15 additional very warm nights each summer in the past decade, while Bengaluru faced 11 more.

Interestingly, even the cooler Himalayan regions are feeling the heat. In Jammu and Kashmir, summers now experience over 15 more very hot days and nights than before. This could disrupt local ecosystems that aren’t used to such climate changes.

The report indicates that humidity in north India has also risen, making conditions feel even hotter. Cities like Delhi and Jaipur have recorded increases of 6 to 9 percent in morning humidity, which can intensify heat stress for outdoor laborers.

Furthermore, densely populated areas are particularly vulnerable. Rapid urbanization has increased heat retention in cities, worsening the effects of rising temperatures. In contrast, districts with more greenery and water bodies, like those in Odisha, are better at managing heat.

Alarmingly, 2024 has already set records as the hottest year in India. The World Health Organization reported that between 1998 and 2017, over 166,000 people died from heat-related issues. With rising heat risk, experts warn that outdoor workers, pregnant women, and the elderly are most at risk for heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Recent studies predict that India could lose the equivalent of 35 million full-time jobs and face a 4.5% drop in GDP by 2030 due to extreme heat waves. With the mercury frequently soaring, it’s crucial to understand how climate challenges impact daily life and health in the country.

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CEEW STUDY, HEAT RISK IN INDIA, HEAT RISK INDEX, 3/4TH OF INDIA'S POPULATION AT 'HIGH' TO 'VERY HIGH' HEAT RISK: CEEW STUDY