Accelerating extreme heat responses: Perspectives from India
This issue of Southasiadisasters.net, titled 'Accelerating Extreme Heat Responses: Perspectives from India,' focuses on the critical challenge of extreme heat and heatwaves in India. As climate change intensifies, India faces growing threats from rising temperatures that impact public health, livelihoods, agriculture, and economic productivity. The issue brings together perspectives from policymakers, researchers, disaster management experts, and development practitioners to examine India's vulnerability to extreme heat and outline strategies for building resilience.
Key themes explored include:
- The need for improved knowledge sharing, capacity building, and public awareness about heat risks and preparedness
- The importance of collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, communities and other stakeholders
- Integrating heat resilience into existing development frameworks and urban planning
- Strengthening early warning systems and emergency response mechanisms
- Addressing growing energy demand for cooling during heat events
- Focusing on vulnerable groups like outdoor workers, farmers, and low-income communities