Extreme weather events, including severe heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms, are becoming increasingly common in India due to climate change. These phenomena significantly impact the health, livelihoods, and economy of the nation.
Extreme weather conditions adversely affect workers in various regions. In Kolkata, a salesman named Anup Majhi took a month off due to unbearable heat. Similarly, Sanjay Lodhi, a factory worker in Changodar, Gujarat, had to return to his village after suffering from heat exhaustion. In Delhi, construction activities are prohibited from noon to 3 p.m. due to extreme temperatures.
Cities like New Delhi have implemented bans on construction work during peak heat hours to protect workers. Other states are contemplating amending labor laws to reduce heat exposure, taking cues from initiatives in West Asia.
Each region in India experiences unique challenges due to climate change:
Different cities are adopting various measures to cope with extreme weather. Delhi has opened heat stroke wards in hospitals, while Kolkata has equipped public buses with AC blowers. Multiple cities, with the help of the Mahila Housing Trust, are implementing climate-resilient initiatives like reflective paint and bamboo roofing.
India is embracing climate-smart agricultural practices such as precision irrigation, floodwater harvesting, and reverting to traditional crop varieties to mitigate agrarian crises. Hill stations, historically cooler escapes, now face higher temperatures and wildfires, affecting tourism in regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The India Meteorological Department is enhancing its use of artificial intelligence to provide more accurate and localized weather forecasts, aiming for significant improvements over the next five years.
Urban communities are adapting through initiatives like the cool-roof programs in cities such as Ahmedabad and Bhubaneswar, spearheaded by the Mahila Housing Trust. Community-based climate initiatives include mangrove conservation awareness in Mumbai, revival of traditional water harvesting, and promotion of climate-resilient crops in rural areas.
The health sector is also responding to climate challenges, with Delhi hospitals setting up dedicated heat stroke wards. In the Sundarbans, community health programs focus on early detection of climate-related mental health issues.
A World Bank study indicates that India could account for a substantial portion of global job losses due to heat stress-related productivity declines by 2030. There is a call for more policy stability, with suggestions that climate initiatives should have a minimum implementation period of five years for consistent support.
Individuals can combat climate change by adopting low carbon lifestyles, conserving energy at home, switching to renewable energy sources, and using electric vehicles. The IPCC report for Asia highlights the need for transformational change in climate adaptation, emphasizing interventions in agriculture and labor laws.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
