In brief
A recent report from The Lancet reveals that 2024 saw an alarming number of heatwave days in India, with climate change responsible for nearly one-third of them. The extreme weather not only threatens public health by increasing risks of heatstroke and dehydration but also incurs significant economic losses, particularly in agriculture and construction sectors. The report underscores a growing health crisis due to the rising frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, highlighting the need for urgent action against climate change.
Almost one-third of the heatwave days India experienced in 2024 were driven by climate change, according to a new report by the medical journal The Lancet.
The report found that India recorded an average of 19.8 heatwave days last year, of which 6.6 days would not have occurred without human-induced climate change.
It also estimated that heat exposure in 2024 resulted in the loss of 247 billion potential labour hours, mostly in the agriculture and construction sectors, amounting to an economic loss of about $194bn (£151bn).
While heatwaves are not new to India, their frequency and intensity have been rising steadily over the past few decades due to global warming.
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat has serious repercussions on health. It can overwhelm the body's ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular stress, and even death - particularly among the elderly, infants and outdoor workers.
The 2025 Lancet Countdown report warns that the health risks posed by rising global temperatures are now more severe than ever.
The report found that heat-related mortality has increased by 23% worldwide since the 1990s, with an average of around 546,000 deaths each year.
The report also mentioned that India's air quality has worsened over the past few years, with atmospheric pollution contributing to significant health issues, including 1.7 million deaths in 2022 alone.
This report comes as world leaders gather for COP30, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and its dire consequences on health and livelihoods.
