CONTEXT

• Heat-related risks are rising across India due to climate change.
• On May 20, 2025, the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) released a comprehensive report titled ‘How Extreme Heat is Impacting India: Assessing District-level Heat Risk’.
• The study provides vital insights to guide climate-resilient planning and public health strategies.

CONCEPT

• Heat Risk ≠ Heatwave or Heat Stress:
  • Heatwave: Prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, no universal definition.
  • Heat Stress: Body temperature > 37°C → fatigue, cramps, risk of heat stroke (>40°C).
  • Heat Risk: Likelihood of illness or death due to heat exposure, shaped by:
    • Heat intensity (incl. humidity)
    • Exposure level (e.g., outdoor work)
    • Community vulnerability (age, health, housing, etc.)
• Heat Risk Index (HRI):
  • Developed by CEEW researchers.
  • Assessed 734 Indian districts using 35 indicators, such as:
    • Number of very hot days
    • Population density
    • Disability prevalence
    • Changes in land use and vegetation cover

CURRENT

• 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded globally, including in India.
• Global average temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Multiple Indian districts now fall into high or very high heat risk zones, even outside traditional heatwave-prone areas.
• Rising temperatures are intensifying urban heat islands, especially in densely populated cities.
• Vulnerable populations—like the elderly, disabled, outdoor laborers, and children—face the greatest risk.

Implications for Policy & Governance

• District-wise heat action plans needed, not just state-level responses.
• Climate-sensitive urban planning (e.g., green spaces, heat-reflective buildings) is essential.
• Early warning systems, hydration access, and awareness drives must be scaled.
• Integration of climate adaptation in rural and urban development is urgent.
• CEEW’s index can aid in targeted relief, especially under India’s National Disaster Management Plan and Smart Cities Mission.