Understanding the Rising Threats of Extreme Heat: Why You Should Care

Rising Temperatures: An Urgent Challenge for Nepal

The planet is heating up, and Nepal is no exception. In 2024, temperatures soared to an alarming 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, making it the warmest year on record. This marks the first time the global average has crossed the 1.5-degree threshold in a single year. Over the past decade, we’ve seen consistent warnings about this trend, and the effects are evident across the globe.

The Human Impact

Climate change isn’t just about temperatures; it has real consequences for people’s lives. Between 1990 and 2023, heat-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older have more than doubled, according to the Global Heat Health Information Network. In Nepal’s Tarai region, heatwaves have become more frequent and severe, straining healthcare systems as hospitals face rising patient numbers. If this keeps up, we could see even higher mortality rates.

Moreover, diseases like dengue fever are spreading into higher altitudes, as reported by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. Schools in the Tarai have closed due to extreme heat, but many public schools still operate in uncomfortable conditions. Children often attend classes in tin-roofed buildings, which can reach unbearable temperatures.

Water scarcity is another growing issue. The Ministry of Forest and Environment reported a 30% decline in spring water flow over the last 30 years, creating challenges for families, especially women who often trek long distances for water.

The Urban Heat Challenge

Urban areas are significant contributors to rising temperatures. Cities account for about 70% of global CO2 emissions, as noted in the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report. Due to buildings, vehicles, and limited green space, urban heat islands form, causing cities to feel hotter than nearby rural areas.

A 2022 study found that urban areas in Nepal consistently show higher temperatures compared to rural surroundings. For instance, Nepalgunj experienced a record high of 44.2 degrees Celsius in May 2024, while Kathmandu reached 35.3 degrees the following month.

As of now, around 29% of Nepal’s population lives in cities. The rapid pace of urbanization has led to infrastructures that exacerbate heat conditions, putting additional strain on energy resources as cities require more electricity for cooling.

Moving Forward: Strategies for Mitigation

While the impacts of heat are daunting, we have tools to combat it. Collaborative efforts among individuals, communities, and governments can help. A proactive heat action plan is vital, focusing on practical solutions for urban planning and development.

One approach is a settlement-based strategy, looking at how buildings, roads, and parks interact. Integrating green spaces, like parks and trees, can naturally cool areas. For instance, tree canopies can lower surface temperatures by as much as 12 degrees Celsius.

We also need to rethink urban layouts. Creating walkable spaces reduces vehicle traffic, which can help cool city temperatures. The vehicle-free zones in Handigaun are a prime example of how less traffic can lead to a healthier urban environment.

In terms of building design, employing passive cooling techniques, such as green roofs, can significantly lower surrounding temperatures. Ahmedabad’s successful Heat Action Plan, which includes cool roofs and early warning systems, has even lowered heat-related deaths by about 1,000 annually.

The Role of Communities

Focusing on vulnerable populations is crucial. Engaging with groups such as day laborers, street vendors, and parents of young children ensures their needs are addressed.

Rising temperatures have transitioned from a seasonal discomfort to a pressing public health crisis. Addressing this issue requires a unified effort from all sectors to create solutions that work for everyone. Our awareness and innovation can guide us toward a cooler, healthier future.

Pragya Pradhan serves as the Habitat Programme Manager at UN-Habitat Nepal, while Prabal Dahal is an Urban Planner with the same organization.

Learn more about the effects of urbanization and climate change at the World Meteorological Organization and Global Heat Health Information Network.

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