Heat and Health — how extreme temperature has become a major health crisis
The frequency and the intensity of heat waves will continue to rise in the 21st century because of climate changes. Extended periods of intense heat waves can acutely impact large populations and trigger health emergencies besides taking a socio-economic toll like loss of labour jobs, writes Science columnist Vanita Srivastava.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was recently admitted to a hospital in Ahmedabad following dehydration and a heat stroke. He suffered the heat stroke while he was watching the Indian Premier League (IPL). His case was reported widely by the media.
However, most cases of heat related medical complications goes unreported and sometimes undiagnosed. Heat stress has been known to be a leading cause of weather related deaths. It can cause potentially fatal health issues like heat stroke and sometimes even trigger a sudden heart attack. It can even worsen the already existing medical issues. Those most at risk include people over 65 years, infants and people with acute health problems.
This year the heat wave fueled by the climate change has touched a dangerous level in India. The temperature in New Delhi soared to a record high of 52 degree celsius (52°C) even as large parts of North India continues to reel under a severe heat wave.
The global average temperature has risen by more than 1.2°C since the industrial revolution, and it is anticipated to increase the number of heat-related occurrences, extremes, and deaths worldwide.
The number of people exposed to extreme heat is growing exponentially due to climate change across the world. Heat related mortality for people over 65 years of age has increased by approximately 85% between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021.
The frequency and the intensity of heat waves will continue to rise in the 21st century because of climate changes. Extended periods of intense heat waves can acutely impact large populations and trigger health emergencies besides taking a socio-economic toll like loss of labour jobs.
The amount of heat that is stored in human body is determined by several factors including an inability to eliminate the internally generated heat due to high temperature. The inability of the body to regulate the internal temperature and eliminate the heat gain can increase the chances of medical complications like heatstroke.
Data Accuracy
According to government data, India has so far recorded 60 heat-related deaths. Since March 1, 32 people have died due to heatstroke and 28 from suspected heatstroke. The country has recorded 16,344 suspected heatstroke cases since March 1 this year, with 486 suspected heatstroke on May 22 alone. The data as reported by the media was shared by the National Centre of Disease Control (NCDC), under the Union ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
But is this figure of heat related deaths and hospitalizations correct? In the absence of a specific data records, gaps in collection of data and standardisation of the categories, this number does not have any specific validation. There are many unreported cases of heat related deaths especially in the rural areas.
It is therefore essential to improve the data quality and standardisation for an effective and accurate understanding of burden caused by heat related death and illnesses.
Reducing the Impact
The health risks of a 2°C hotter world underscores the need to accelerate the climate change action plan. The 2022 Lancet Countdown report had highlighted the opportunity to speed the transition from fossil fuels. However, various data shows a movement in the wrong direction.
Various stakeholders including the governments across the world should map sustainable strategies to lessen the impact of climate change and global warming. There should be concrete plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions. If corrective measures are not taken immediately the heat related death toll and health emergencies will keep rising.
A zero-carbon transition will not only reduce the health impacts of climate change but can also delver socioeconomic benefits. Cities should be designed to reduce the accumulation of urban heat.
There should be more awareness among the health workers and the public. Low cost interventions at various levels are needed to build awareness on the heat related health complications.
Nations should have specific heat action plans, heat early systems and emergency plans to protect the high-risk population. The hospitals should develop more emergency rooms to accommodate the influx of patients suffering from heat stroke.
A community-focused approach that is inclusive can help in implementing the climate adaption strategies. Else the death tolls caused by soaring temperatures will continue to rise.
