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Indian Cities Face Extreme Heat Risk
4 Jun
Summary
- Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune are among the top 50 cities globally vulnerable to heat risk.
- 14 Indian cities were identified in the top 50, with Nagpur and Ahmedabad being most vulnerable.
- The study emphasizes a multifaceted approach to heat risk assessment beyond mere temperature.
A University of Oxford study has identified Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune among the 50 cities globally most vulnerable to heat risk. This assessment, which analyzed living conditions in 205 cities with over a million population, considered hazard exposure, coping capacity, and vulnerability. Fourteen Indian cities made the top 50 list, with Nagpur ranking second in India after Ahmedabad.
The study, titled "Moving beyond exposure: a globally comparable framework for heat risk assessment in cities," highlights that heat risk is influenced by environmental factors like humidity and wind speed, alongside socio-demographic vulnerabilities and infrastructure. It suggests moving beyond hazard-centric approaches to targeted strategies addressing all components of risk.
Researchers noted that cities face severe risk due to socio-economic vulnerabilities and infrastructure deficits. While air conditioning offers temporary relief, its reliance is unsustainable due to high costs and energy demands. The study recommends a nuanced approach to adaptation, prioritizing passive cooling and low-energy technologies to ensure thermal comfort for all without exacerbating global warming.
