Extreme heat in India: economy and health at the limit!

Extreme heat in India: economy and health at the limit!

India is facing an increasing threat from extreme heat, which is not only putting a massive strain on the health of the population but also on the economy. According to recent reports, India is home to 1.4 billion people, nearly half of whom work outdoors. Many of them are particularly at risk due to rising temperatures, as only around 10% of the population has air conditioning. Heat-related risks have already caused significant economic losses and health problems, reinforcing the need for urgent action.

Heatwaves in India, which are becoming more frequent and earlier, mean that temperatures in certain regions can exceed 50 degrees Celsius. According to the Lancet, an estimated 182 billion potential work hours were lost due to extreme heat in 2023. If these trends continue, a decline of 34 million full-time jobs is predicted for 2030, particularly in agriculture and construction. In 2021, the heat caused income losses of around $159 billion, equivalent to 5.4% of India's gross domestic product (GDP).

Health risks and measures

The health effects of extreme heat are serious. One day of extreme heat can lead to an estimated 3,400 additional deaths in India; In a five-day heat wave, the number could rise to 30,000. In Europe, too, 61,000 additional deaths due to high temperatures were registered in the summer of 2022. Heat can lead to various health problems such as strokes, respiratory illnesses and heart attacks, straining public health services, especially in hospitals that often lack air conditioning.

The health system is also less resilient due to the poor conditions in many living spaces. In cities, nighttime temperatures often remained high in poorly ventilated homes, making it difficult for workers to recover. However, some local authorities are taking action by requiring employers to provide shade, breaks and water.

Economic consequences and global trends

The economic challenges caused by heatwaves are not limited to India. Predictions suggest similar losses could occur in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia and Pakistan by 2030. In the United States, heat-related economic losses total around $100 billion annually, which could rise to $500 billion over the next 25 years. In Europe too, GDP losses of around 0.3 to 0.5% per year are expected due to heat waves. In 2023, natural disasters caused $380 billion in economic damage worldwide, a clear sign of the growing threat of climate change.

The Indian government has already taken measures to mitigate the impact of heatwaves and introduced forecasting tools. Nevertheless, there is a need for more comprehensive climate risk strategies that integrate innovative financial instruments to protect vulnerable groups. In collaboration with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the aim is to promote gender-sensitive and community-based approaches to address these challenges.

Effective urban planning is crucial to counteract extreme temperatures. Historical construction methods and modern concepts such as narrow streets in Seville, white streets in Los Angeles or green roofs in Xiamen show how intelligent urban design can reduce temperatures. Materials such as asphalt and concrete should be replaced to absorb less heat and improve the quality of life in urban areas.

The challenges posed by heat waves require joint and structured action. Climate change remains a serious threat and it is up to governments to develop and implement innovative solutions to sustainably improve the living conditions of affected populations.