Our 5-year research project investigates the growing public health concern of heat stress in India. While the magnitude and patterns of health risks remain unclear, increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves necessitate effective adaptation interventions. 

We employ a pluralistic research approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, to achieve two key goals: 

1. Assess the impact: We will quantify the economic and health burdens of heat stress across vulnerable populations in India, identifying key determinants of these risks. 
2. Identify optimal interventions: We will evaluate the effectiveness of existing Heat Action Plans and pilot-test additional household-level adaptation strategies, focusing on vulnerable groups in Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Jaipur (Rajasthan). 

Expected Outcomes: 

• ●  Mapping of heat stress exposure pathways: Identifying key pathways by which human health is influenced during climate-change driven extreme health events 
• ●  Quantified health impacts: Estimating morbidity and mortality associated with heatwaves. 
• ●  Socioeconomic factors: Exploring the link between social determinants and healthcare access during heatwaves. 
• ●  Existing program evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of current heat management policies like Heat Action Plans and Disaster Management efforts. 
• ●  Effective adaptation interventions: Examine existing interventions and develop alternative strategies for heat adaptation in vulnerable populations. 
• ●  Cost analysis: Estimating the economic burden of heat stress and the cost-effectiveness of interventions. 
• ●  Capacity building: Empowering communities and policymakers with knowledge and tools for heat-health adaptation. 

Policy & Practice Impact: 

This research aims to provide a comprehensive picture of heat stress interventions, considering effectiveness, affordability, social acceptance, and policy feasibility. Our findings will be crucial for informing policy and practice in low- and middle-income countries facing a warming climate. 

Funding: This research is funded by Wellcome Trust (https://wellcome.org/).

TEAM

• Institute of Economic Growth (IEG, Delhi, India): Purnamita Dasgupta, William Joe, Girika Sharma, Reeta Saxena, Shreya Pujari
• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU, Delhi, India): Meeta Mehra, Rajib Dasgupta
• AIIMS Jodhpur (India): Pankaja Raghav
• Development and Environment Futures Trust (DEFT, Bhubaneswar, India): Arabinda Mishra
• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM, Pune, India): Rupa Kumar Kolli
• University College London (UCL, UK): Clare Heaviside, Oscar Brousse, Giandomenico Vurro
• University of Washington (UW, USA): Kristie Ebi