The current heatwave in New Delhi is a clear manifestation of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for action as greenhouse gas emissions and temperatures continue to rise
New Delhi and its neighbourhood are currently in the clutches of an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures soaring to record highs. Worse, there is no respite in sight: according to the Met department, the mercury could hit a searing 47 degrees Celsius in the coming week-- the highest in the country.
The summer in India is coming to a never-before boil despite assurances from the World Bank that countries like Brazil, India, Chile, Colombia, and Turkey are making progress in implementing emissions trading schemes (ETS) across the power, industrial, international aviation, shipping, and waste sectors.
Extreme heat poses the risk of severe health issues, including heat stroke, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance, which can be fatal, especially if they cause complications like renal shutdown or neurological deficits. The elderly and children are at particular risk.
Schools have been shut down in the capital as an immediate response to the raging heat wave.
However, experts believe that a great deal more needs to be done to safeguard public health and alleviate the effects of climate change in the long term.
The current heatwave is a stark and urgent reminder of the need for immediate climate action. We must urgently reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and prioritise climate resilience in urban planning to mitigate the devastating impact of climate change.
In response to the ongoing heatwave in New Delhi, the government and community organisations are providing relief by setting up cooling centres, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and intensifying public awareness campaigns about heat-related illnesses. The record-breaking temperatures in New Delhi underscore the urgency of the fight against climate change, calling for decisive action from policymakers and citizens to protect our planet and our future.