The extreme heatwave in India and Pakistan is causing widespread damage across the sub-continent, from severe cases of heatstroke to soaring food prices. Here are the details of what's going on, and why events like this cannot be ignored.
Such extreme events come as India and Pakistan experience one of their hottest spring seasons to date. With temperatures reaching a high of 49 degrees Celsius, Delhi has become one of the hottest places on Earth. India has suffered from its hottest March since 1901, with these temperatures only set to persist.
India and Pakistan are countries that frequently experience high temperatures, however the current heatwave is by no means normal. Not only did it spread over a larger area, but it also came much earlier in the year, taking many off guard. Although many meteorological conditions can affect the frequency and magnitude of heatwaves, rising global temperatures undeniably exacerbate this issue. A new study by the Met Office concluded that the heatwave was made over 100 times more likely because of human-caused climate change.
The results of these changes to the climate are extraordinary.
As currently seen in India and Pakistan, the effects of higher temperatures on health are becoming alarmingly prevalent. So far, it is reported that the weather has killed at least 25 people in India and 65 in Pakistan.
However, a more concerning health problem looms over the horizon. If high temperatures persist into the wet monsoon months of June to September, parts of the subcontinent can exceed what is known as the 'wet bulb' temperature. This is when heat and humidity surpass human capacity and we cannot cool ourselves through producing sweat, in most cases leading to severe illness or death. Simply put, large parts of the world's second most populated country could become uninhabitable for humans.
Living standards will also take a hard hit. High temperatures are causing numerous water sources to dry out, while glaciers melting in North Pakistan increase the flood risk to many communities. The hot weather has increased dust and ozone levels, leading to spikes in air pollution in various areas. On the economic side, a surge in demand for power to cool rooms and buildings has led to a national shortage, with many states forced into power cuts lasting up to 8 hours. The decreased wheat yields could further push up food prices due to a shortage in supply, further intensified by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
However, it would not take a blog, news article or textbook for you to know that the effects of climate change are not limited to only India and Pakistan. Similar problems are being felt in the numerous countries that occupy the global south that often have a reliance on agriculture. North Kenya is facing a prolonged drought that presents increasing risks of starvation. Communities in Bangladesh have been completely submerged due to recent flooding.
Events such as these narrate the alarming story of how climate change disproportionately affects the world's most vulnerable people, despite them being the ones that have contributed the least to it. Therefore, it is important that climate education addresses these issues surrounding climate inequality, as it has such a profound effect on the people and economies that make up our world.
As the climate crisis persists, it is important to not forget the people who will be carrying the greatest burden.