Professor Purnamita Dasgupta, Chair Professor and Head of the Environmental and Resource Economics Unit at the Institute of Economic Growth, Delhi, delivered a keynote address on the assessment of heat-health risks and economic impacts at a national symposium organised by the Indian Meteorological Society Pune, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and India Meteorological Department.
Professor Dasgupta highlighted the growing concern of heat stress in India, emphasising the need for effective interventions to protect vulnerable populations. The presentation delved into the various pathways of health risks associated with heat stress and the potential economic and social consequences, particularly for the elderly, children, and outdoor workers.
The address also discussed the range of adaptation interventions to manage heat-health risks, including the evaluation of economic costs and the assessment of benefits from effective interventions. By prioritising cost-effective solutions and addressing the challenges of implementation, India can mitigate the adverse impacts of heat stress and build resilience to climate change.