India Faces Rising Heatwaves Linked to Climate Change
In 2024, India experienced nearly 20 heatwave days per person, with 6.5 attributed to climate change. This led to a loss of 247 billion labor hours and a potential income loss of $194 billion, impacting agriculture and construction sectors significantly.
A recent report by The Lancet highlights the increasing impact of heatwaves in India, with individuals experiencing almost 20 heatwave days in 2024. Of these, about six-and-a-half days were linked to climate change. The economic impact was substantial, with losses including 247 billion potential labor hours and a potential income loss of $194 billion. The agriculture and construction sectors were most affected, accounting for 66% and 20% of the losses, respectively. The report underscores the urgency of addressing climate-induced health threats, which are exacerbated by fossil fuels and pollution. Sustainable cooling strategies and resilient health systems are essential to mitigate these effects.
