Delhi : As several parts of India in May witnessed extreme weather conditions with regards to the record breaking heatwaves being recorded recorded across the country, a new report claims that this increase in temperature is largely due to human-driven climate change.
The Climameter 1.5°C report on heatwaves in India highlights the escalating impact of climate change, particularly on extreme heat events.
"Heatwaves similar to the May 2024 India heatwave are at least 1.5°C warmer than the warmest heatwaves previously observed in the country, even though they occur much later than the southern hemisphere summer seasons", the report said.
Terming it as a largely unique event, the report said that "Human driven climate change and natural climate variability both played a role in increasing the heat during the India May 2024 heatwave." The following are the key findings of the report :
1. Increased Frequency and Intensity: The report shows that India is experiencing a marked increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. Average temperatures in many regions now exceed historical norms more frequently, leading to longer and more severe heatwaves.
2. Regional Disparities: Heatwaves are particularly severe in inland areas and northern parts of India, with the most affected regions including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. These areas now see significantly more days of extreme heat compared to previous decades.
3. Climate Change Attribution: Human-induced climate change has made such extreme heat events 30 times more likely. Rising temperatures are primarily driven by global warming, though local factors like urbanization and deforestation also play a major role.
4. Health and Economic Impacts: The heatwaves are causing substantial health issues, including heat-related illnesses and deaths. They also adversely affect outdoor workers, such as farmers and construction laborers, exacerbating socio-economic vulnerabilities.
5. The report also mentions that climate change has already made heatwaves in South Asia, including India, up to 30 times more likely. These heatwaves could become more intense and frequent as the global average temperature approaches 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
