2 August 2022 – by Subhiksha Manoj
According to a recent study on historical weather data from the World Weather Attribution group, countries in South Asia (especially India and Pakistan) are now 30 times more likely to experience prolonged heatwaves than in previous years.
What’s more, if average global temperatures increase by 2°C (3.6°F) in the following years, South Asian countries are more likely to experience these heatwaves at least once every five years.
Using computer simulations to compare data on average temperatures between March and April over the past several decades, the team of scientists concluded that these increased risks can be attributed to climate change.
“This is a sign of things to come,” said Arpita Mondal, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai who was involved in the study.
The Current Impact of Heatwaves
In recent months, some parts of India and Pakistan have seen temperatures around 45°C (113°F) – the highest levels ever recorded in the region. While governments attempt to grapple with mitigating and adapting to the widespread and unpredictable impact of climate change, the average person struggles to carry out day-to-day activities.
In India, daily wage laborers and agricultural workers bear the brunt of climate change as they, naturally, spend more time outdoors. To prepare for the undoubtable influx of people affected by heat-related illnesses, India’s state governments are advising local hospitals to stock up on ice packs, oral rehydration salts, and cooling appliances – although the availability and accessibility of this equipment is another question.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the recent flooding caused by a glacier burst has reinforced the need to establish an early warning system for natural disasters that can help to minimize infrastructural damage and deaths.
Both Pakistan and India have recorded at least a combined 90 heat-related deaths in recent weeks, however, this number is more than likely to be higher – especially considering the shortcomings of the death registration systems in the two countries.
As of now, climate change experts are continuing to urge countries in South Asia to spread further awareness on heatwaves, while also encouraging governments to work towards establishing sustainable climate mitigation and adaptation mechanisms.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Be sure to take a look at our piece on how the intensification of heatwaves in the Middle East and North Africa.
