India is faced with escalating heat conditions across various regions, prompting efforts to implement strategies that address this growing concern. In response to alarming weather trends, stakeholders have joined forces to establish the South Asia Hub of the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN). This initiative aims to foster collaboration and innovation to combat the challenges posed by extreme heat.

The Hub consists of several coordinating partners, including the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and the BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health from Bangladesh, alongside the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Kiyoung Ko from UNESCAP highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, stating that bringing countries together can enhance policy alignment and better integrate heat management into broader disaster risk frameworks across the Asia-Pacific region.

Defining Extreme Heat and Risks Involved

Extreme heat is defined variably across regions, but in India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has specific criteria for its classification. A heat wave is officially declared when maximum temperatures exceed normal levels by 4.5 degrees Celsius, reaching at least 40 degrees Celsius in plains, and slightly lower thresholds in coastal and hilly areas.

Temperatures exceeding 45 to 47 degrees Celsius in plains are regarded as extreme heat due to the severe health hazards they pose. Research from CEEW indicates that 57 per cent of Indian districts, home to about three-quarters of the population, already contend with high to very high heat risk, highlighting a significant vulnerability.

Moreover, increasing nighttime temperatures and humidity levels complicate recovery processes for individuals, putting additional strain on healthcare systems. In 2024 alone, India reported over 44,000 cases of heatstroke, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Addressing the Systemic Nature of Heat Risks

Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW, remarked that extreme heat is not just a seasonal challenge; rather, it represents a systemic risk that affects public health, economic productivity, and infrastructure across South Asia. The fragmented responses to heat across various sectors, including climate, health, and urban development, have hindered effective action.

The newly formed Hub aims to bridge these gaps by establishing a network that connects governments, researchers, and local practitioners. This collaboration seeks to improve early warning systems that can closely monitor heat conditions and prompt timely responses to protect vulnerable populations.

Current national systems often lack coordinated health-triggered alerts, making effective responses challenging. The Hub’s focus on collaboration, clear communication, and substantial policy support aims to ensure that warnings translate to prompt action on the ground.

With climate change impacting weather patterns globally, South Asia is warming at a rate faster than the global average. Projections indicate that nearly 90 per cent of the population in South Asia will face extreme heat exposure by 2030, stressing the urgency for robust heat action plans and efficient institutional collaboration.

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