India needs green cover, reflective materials to combat urban heat islands and climate change
India is experiencing scorching summer heat, with temperatures reaching 48°C in Sri Ganganagar. Climate change is exacerbating heatwaves, but urban heat islands, caused by concrete, asphalt, loss of tree cover, and AC waste heat, make Indian cities 2°C to 10°C hotter than rural areas. This phenomenon disproportionately affects outdoor workers and street vendors. The article advocates for urban design mandates requiring reflective materials and green cover, updated building codes, and strict enforcement of labor laws that protect outdoor workers during extreme heat, emphasizing the need for a national conversation on heat management budgets.
Key Points
- India's Core Heatwave Zone has seen an increase in heatwave frequency and duration since 1961.
- Urban heat islands in Indian cities are 2°C to 10°C hotter than surrounding rural areas due to urbanization factors.
- The problem is exacerbated by concrete, asphalt, loss of tree cover, and waste heat from air-conditioners.
- The article calls for mandatory urban design with reflective materials, green cover, and climate-calibrated building codes.
- Strict enforcement of labor laws protecting outdoor workers during high heat index thresholds is crucial.
Exam Facts
- Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, recorded 48° Celsius.
- India's Core Heatwave Zone covers about 30% of its total land area.
- Delhi's average humidity rose by eight percentage points between 2015-19 and 2020-24.
- The 2015-25 interval is the warmest 11-year stretch since records began, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
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