India is bracing for a new high in the ensuing summer season: Heat health governance will be the key to coping,” Dr. Rajib Dasgupta discusses the increasing challenges posed by rising temperatures and heatwaves in India. He highlights that the Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted above-normal temperatures, particularly in central and eastern states like Odisha, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, with night temperatures also expected to be higher than usual. The article emphasizes the economic and health impacts of extreme heat, noting that 2024 was the warmest year in the last 175 years, leading to significant losses in GDP and job reductions. Dr. Dasgupta underscores the importance of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) as essential tools for heat-health governance, advocating for robust, graded response plans to effectively mitigate the adverse effects of heatwaves.
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