Team Blitz India
THE economic impact of heatwave is multifaceted and far-reaching. Lower water reservoir levels due to prolonged heatwave severely impact access to drinking water and agricultural activities, particularly fodder cultivation, horticulture, and vegetable production. The resulting decrease in agricultural output has the potential to drive up food prices, leading to inflationary pressures that could affect monetary policy. The scorching temperatures also necessitate halting construction stress on the activity during peak heat hours, causing disruptions in occupational structures.
Major health risks
Heatwave poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Some of these are: Heat exhaustion: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, characterised by symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and fainting. Heatstroke: A life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system falls, and the body temperature rises to dangerously high levels (above 40°C or 104°F). Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, hot and dry skin (absence of sweating), unconsciousness, and seizures. Dehydration: High temperatures and excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, where the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as thirst, dry mouth, dark-coloured urine, fatigue, and dizziness.
Respiratory issues: Heatwave can worsen air quality, leading to increased concentrations of pollutants such as ozone and particulate matter. Breathing in polluted air during a heatwave can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. Cardiovascular problems: Heatwave can strain the cardiovascular system, leading to an increase in risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. High temperatures can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to decreased blood pressure and increased heart rate, which can put additional stress on the heart. Mental Health Issues: Heatwave can also have adverse effects on mental health leading to increased stress, anxiety, irritability, and even conditions such as heat-induced psychosis or delirium, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Gendered implications
In the scorching heat of Indian summers, the ramifications of heatwaves and water scarcity are far from gender-neutral. Women and girls across the country bear a disproportionate burden of these climatic challenges, amplifying existing gender disparities in health, economic opportunity, and educational access. As water reservoir levels plummet to alarming lows and temperatures soar, the vulnerability of women becomes increasingly evident. Traditionally assigned roles exacerbate women’s susceptibility during heatwaves, with tasks like water fetching and outdoor agricultural labour adding to their physical strain The United Nations Human Rights report highlights that women spend up to four hours daily on water-related tasks, exposing them to heightened health risks Pregnant and elderly women face even greater dangers, with heat stress leading to complications such as pre-term labour and increased stillbirth rates.
Women livelihood hit
Economically, women, especially those engaged in agriculture and informal sectors, bear the brunt of heatwaves and water crises. Agriculture, a sector predominantly reliant on female labour, suffers from diminished yields and loss of biodiversity, threatening the livelihoods of rural women. Additionally, women’s indoor refuge offers little respite as inadequate cooling mechanisms further reduce their work capacity widening the existing income gap. To address these challenges, comprehensive strategies prioritising women’s wellbeing and empowerment are imperative Promoting women’s leadership in decision-making processes, implementing genderresponsive policies, and enhancing access to resources are crucial steps forward. Moreover, collecting sex- disaggregated data and fostering climate-resilient agricultural practices can equip women with the tools to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
