Summer has arrived early in parts of India, with heatwaves reported in Goa and Maharashtra by late February, and temperatures exceeding 40°C in states like Odisha and Telangana.
Most of India saw night temperatures 1°C to 5°C above normal, indicating new climate patterns.
Rising global temperatures are expected to lead to more intense and frequent heatwaves, requiring better preparedness, similar to responses for floods or earthquakes.
A study found that no Indian city has a long-term heatwave plan, with most responses limited to short-term measures like providing drinking water and adjusting work hours.
Long-term solutions like cooling for vulnerable populations, better infrastructure, and improved weather monitoring are missing.
Strategies such as increasing green spaces and rooftop solar are not always targeted at the most at-risk populations.
While global focus is on cutting emissions, there is a shift toward adapting to heat, with sustainable cooling solutions being recommended.
India needs a comprehensive national heat strategy as part of its National Adaptation Plan for COP30 in Brazil in November.
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