Indian Heatwave Situation

Syllabus: Prelims Unit I - General Science

• Recent Findings:
• Increased frequency and intensity
• April 2023: Severe impact in east and south
• 45 times more likely due to climate change
• World Weather Attribution study confirmation

Heatwave Measurement Evolution

• Traditional Methods:
• Absolute temperature thresholds
• Modern Approach:
• Relative temperature changes
• Regional normal variations consideration
• Example: 28°C to 35°C deviation significance

Impact Assessment

• Health Consequences:
• Dehydration risks
• Chronic health condition exacerbation
• Mortality risks
• Reporting Challenges:
• Inconsistent casualty numbers
• Discrepancies between IMD and NDMA data
• Underreporting issues

Mitigation Strategies

• State-Level Response:
• 23 states with heat action plans
• Water management protocols
• Modified work/school timings
• Urban Planning:
• Cool landscape design
• Resilient city planning
• Public health adaptations

Critical Climate Change Facts

• Ocean and Ice:
• 85% oxygen from ocean phytoplankton
• 7m potential sea rise from Greenland ice melt
• Arctic warming at double global rate
• Coral bleaching from warmer seas
• Terrestrial Impact:
• Peatlands store double carbon vs. forests
• 10% Sahara Desert expansion in 100 years
• Permafrost melt releasing ancient viruses
• Economic Impact:
• Projected 23% global GDP drop by 2050
• Infrastructure stress
• Agricultural disruption

Current Initiatives

• Monitoring Systems:
• Enhanced weather tracking
• Early warning mechanisms
• Public awareness campaigns
• Health Response:
• Emergency medical preparedness
• Vulnerable population protection
• Healthcare system adaptation