India being a tropical country is accustomed to hot summers, but summer this year has proven to be the hottest ever on record with the world’s average temperature reaching 1.64 Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In India, temperatures have reached alarming levels, consistently over 45°C, with Mungeshpur in the national capital of Delhi recording 52.3 degrees Celsius—the highest temperature ever recorded in the country. These extreme heat events pose a significant threat to public health with wide-ranging impacts.

This month, our cover story on heatwaves in India reveals that the public health implications of heatwaves extend far beyond immediate risks such as heatstroke and dehydration. Heatwaves exacerbate chronic conditions, increase hospital admissions, and strain the already overburdened healthcare system. Heatwaves also endanger India’s food security with implications on our economic stability, potentially affecting the  public healthcare services. Heat exhaustion decreases productivity, proving detrimental to the country’s economy. Additionally, intense and untimely onset of summers damages crops and affects cropping cycles, leading to food shortages and higher prices for essential commodities such as cereals and pulses. Not all are equally equipped to deal with such acute and unforeseen crises, and the effects of such intense heatwaves are disproportionately borne by the urban poor, outdoor workers, and marginalized communities. People living in inadequate housing without air conditioning are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Outdoor workers, including farmers, construction labourers, and street vendors, endure prolonged exposure to extreme heat, heightening their risk of heat stress and dehydration. Cities face an added challenge during heatwaves due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Studies across several Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Surat, Nagpur, Lucknow, and Guwahati illustrate the deleterious impacts of urban areas becoming heat islands. Concrete and asphalt surfaces absorb and retain heat, causing cities to experience higher temperatures compared to rural areas. This not only raises the risk of heat-related illnesses but also strains infrastructure and energy resources, especially with increased demand for air conditioning.

Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, several Indian states and cities have developed Heat Action Plans (HAPs). These plans are comprehensive frameworks aimed at reducing the health impacts of heatwaves by enabling authorities to prepare for, respond to, and adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. The HAPs prescribe coordinated efforts among government agencies, public health officials, and local communities to implement specific actions. The fight against heatwaves cannot be the government’s burden alone. It requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Communities must adopt and promote sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting and tree planting. Private enterprises can contribute by creating and managing more green spaces, promoting green buildings and providing heat-resilient cooling spaces for their workers, and supporting community cooling initiatives.

I am confident that the articles in this edition of TerraGreen will resonate strongly with our readers. Your insightful suggestions have greatly improved the publication, and I eagerly encourage you to continue sharing your valuable ideas and feedback.