Heat-related Risks Threaten Indian Livelihoods: World Bank Study

The World Bank recently released a study in collaboration with environmental and climate-solution consulting groups, IORA Ecological Solutions, Energe-se, Tessol, and Vertiver on the topic of 'Climate Investment Opportunities in India’s Cooling Sector’. The facts revealed in the research stated that India is endangered by severe and frequent heat waves due to the adverse effects of climate change.

Concerns around rising temperatures due to climate change run flagrant in the minds of stakeholders to devise judicious planning in favor of both nature and mankind. India has been experiencing extremely high temperatures that stay longer than anticipated. The temperature in the capital went as high as 46 degrees, in April 2022 halting activities around the city. March also witnessed some unnatural spikes in temperature, which were the first of their kind.

IPCC also known as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has already cautioned India that erratic temperature hikes were likely to make the country suffer more frequently and intensely over the following decade. Apart from this, the G20 Climate Risk Atlas also foresees that by the years 2036-65 heat waves are to last 25 times longer if the carbon emissions remain unchecked.

The study also suggests the related problems that might be faced by the Indian livelihoods due to sudden and long-lasting heat waves could be life-threatening. The only presentable solution posed by the study is to amp up India’s cooling strategy.

Low-Income Population at Higher Risks

Two-thirds of the population in India accounts for less than $2 US Dollars a day. In hindsight, the minimum cost of installing air-conditioners ranges from $260; which makes it a luxury for two-thirds of India's population. ICAP or the Indian Cooling Action Plan calculated that only 8% of Indian households have proper cooling systems, especially air-conditioning.

75% Workforce in Heat Exposed Labour

Lancet Planetary Health Journal, in a 2021 study recorded that around 740,000 extra deaths in India are due to the cause of abnormal temperatures. 75% of the Indian workforce is associated with labor that is heat-exposed. During heat waves, such occupations can prove to be life-threatening. Other than this, job losses and productivity decline due to heat exposure are other concerns for the country's GDP.

ICAP as the Solution

Hence, Cooling demand is anticipated to grow exponentially. ICAP has faced several challenges to implement the plan without delay.

This is a high-cost plan, hence, to make it work in favor of the country, ICAP also has to economically boost the country's GDP. Launched in 2019 the Indian Cooling Action Plan aims to sustainably maintain the country’s cross-sectoral cooling from any future heat-wave scares.