A Vicious Cycle of Heat: The Hot Topic in India
In the past decade, there has been an increase in extreme weather events globally. Since the 1850s, the global surface temperature has risen by about 1°C, a change the IPCC unequivocally attributes to human activities. This increase in temperature has led to a higher frequency of extreme weather events.
For instance, occurrences that were once decade-long events have become alarmingly more common. Heatwaves now occur 2.8 times more frequently, droughts 1.7 times and extreme rainstorms 1.3 times.
This trend is only going to worsen going ahead.
India has been facing these challenges with increasing frequency. From extreme droughts to severe heatwaves and post-apocalyptic sandstorms in urban areas, Indian regions are experiencing it all. Currently, the North Indian region is enduring one of the worst heatwaves ever recorded.
This scorching reality is not just a matter of discomfort—it is a vicious cycle that threatens public health, economic productivity, and food security. As temperatures rise, so does the demand for cooling. Air conditioners are turned on, straining the power grid. To meet this demand, more power plants are fired up, often relying on coal, a major contributor to climate change. This releases further emissions and exacerbates the problem. Additionally, reduced forest cover and increasing concrete structures in urban areas intensify the urban heat island effect. This cycle, often overlooked in daily life, has far-reaching implications for our environment and future.
The Heat is On
India is no stranger to high temperatures. In fact, a recent study published in The Lancet found that India saw a 55% rise in deaths due to extreme heat between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021. But as the temperatures soar, so does our reliance on cooling. AC usage in India has tripled since 2010, reaching 24 units per 100 households.
An interesting article in 'The Asset' highlights a particularly concerning data point: India is expected to lose a staggering 5.8% of its working hours by 2030 due to heat stress. Cooling demand is projected to skyrocket, rising from 7% of total electricity demand in 2020 to a projected 20% by 2030. To satiate this surge, a whopping 800GW of power generation capacity would be needed to cater to the cooling peak demand – more than double India's current energy capacity!
Urban Heat Island Effect
Heat waves in Indian cities are further intensified by the urban heat island effect, increased air pollution, and heat exhaust from traffic and air conditioners. Data shows an alarming trend: India’s average heat index is rising at a rate of +0.56°C per decade, with an even faster increase during the summer months. Delhi, for example, experiences a stark contrast—its urban areas endure an average of 2.3 more heatwave days every summer compared to rural areas.
The Power Struggle
This month has already seen two of the highest peak power demands—233 GW and 229.6 GW—and the Ministry of Power’s solution primarily relies on thermal power stations and importing more coal. While coal keeps the lights on in India, it comes at a heavy human cost apart from the heavy emissions. Coal miners, toiling in underground furnaces, are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke and dehydration during heatwaves.
Breaking the Cycle
Addressing this predicament requires a multi-pronged approach and immediate action from every stakeholder involved in the process. Here are some potential solutions:
The vicious cycle of rising temperatures and increasing extreme weather events is a pressing issue that demands immediate and concerted action. By being mindful of our energy consumption and working towards sustainable solutions, we can help break this cycle and ensure a safer, more resilient future for all.
The time to act is now. Our collective efforts can make a difference in mitigating the effects of climate change and safeguarding our environment and future generations!
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BlackRock | AIR 23 - CS | President- Placement and Corporate Relations Committee
10 个月Its actually important to talk about this as temperatures rise globally, India is experiencing more frequent extreme weather events like heatwaves and droughts. This article sheds light on the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate these impacts. Let's take action now for a more resilient future.