• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India’s Savage Heat Extracts Its Heaviest Toll From Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi — supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. “I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days,” said Kumar. “Once I could not come for a week.”

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Urban Lab

India's Savage Heat Exacts Heaviest Toll on Those Working Outdoors

Pradeep Kumar can earn nearly eight dollars a day selling the traditional Indian drink with cumin and lemon that he makes at his cart in a popular market in New Delhi - supposed to cool the body, the beverage has been much in demand in recent months as north India reeled under a brutal heat wave. But on some days, he says he could not summon up the energy to set up his cart as the punishing temperatures took a heavy toll on those working outdoors. "I am exhausted every night after standing under the sun. Sometimes I fall sick due to the heat and then I need to rest for a few days," said Kumar. "Once I could not come for a week." India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors please wait Embed share India's Extreme Heat Extracts its Heaviest Toll from Those Working Outdoors Embed share The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px Share on Facebook Share on Twitter The URL has been copied to your clipboard No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:56 0:00 It is not surprising - while temperatures are normally high in May and June, the heat spell began unusually early this year. Temperatures in March shattered a 122-year record, April was the hottest month on record in north and central India and this month the mercury has topped 45 degrees Celsius on several days. In a city where tens of thousands work as construction labor, rickshaw pullers, hawkers or at pavement stalls, many like Kumar have lost income due to the weekslong searing heat. Although temperatures eased Monday, the respite is likely to be brief. India suffers the highest loss of productivity in the world due to extreme heat - it lost more than 100 billion hours of labor every year between 2001 and 2020, costing the country billions of dollars, according to a study published in Nature Communications by Duke University. The heat waves are a huge health hazard - most of those working outdoors cannot heed a government advisory to avoid being out between noon and 3 pm on hot days. "Heat strokes are the second biggest natural force which is killing people in India after lightning," said Avikal Somvanshi, senior program manager of Urban Lab at the Center for Science and Environment citing government data. "In fact, more than 20,000 people have died in last 20 years because of heat stroke and over half of them are men aged between 30 to 60 who are working outdoors. This is not just exhaustion or discomfort. It is actually killing people." A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) A young man has a mid-afternoon bath to cope with the severe heat that gripped India in recent weeks. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The impact is worsened by what is called the "heat-island effect" - the concentration of concrete buildings and roads that leads to much higher temperatures in city centers compared to suburban or rural areas. Divyanshu Pratap, who has come to New Delhi from his village to work at a pavement stall for the first time, has experienced it firsthand. "When I am standing and the sun blazes on my head, I get dizzy spells. Then I feel weak and fall down," he said. "It was also hot in my village, but nothing compares to this." Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Workers at pavement stalls in a busy market have no place to shelter from the heat. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) Homes in densely packed urban slums provide little respite at night - not only are they unbearably hot, but the situation is worsened by the long power outages that India has experienced this year as the intense heat triggered higher demand. The situation for these workers could worsen in the coming years as studies warn that climate change will make such heat waves even more frequent. A recent analysis by Britain's Met Office said that record-breaking temperatures in northwestern India and Pakistan have become 100 times more likely due to climate change. Scientists said that heat waves could happen every three years whereas such extreme events would be expected only every 300 years in the absence of climate change. "Extreme climate events will become increasingly normal if we continue to see inaction in bringing down global temperatures," said Abinash Mohanty at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in New Delhi. "Cities will face the brunt of climate extremities - Delhi might have more severe heat waves, while others like Mumbai may face flooding if we do not put in more aggressive climate action." At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) At this pavement stall, a worker rests as temperatures in May crossed 45 degrees celsius. (Anjana Pasricha/VOA) The Health Ministry last month issued an advisory to employers asking them to install temporary shelters and limit hours for new workers. Several cities in India have put in place a Heat Action Plan that focuses on raising public awareness and reserving beds in hospitals for victims of heat stroke. "This does not stop the exposure. It is like an emergency response to a tragedy that has already happened," pointed out Urban Lab's Somvanshi. "As far as adaptation, mitigation, or building resilience to this heat, no concrete plan has been made in India. Even globally, governments are just coming to recognize that rising temperatures pose a big challenge." Those involved in manual labor face the grimmest situation. Virendra, a rickshaw puller ferries customers over short distances of about two kilometers but keeps a look out for a tree to sit under after the ride is over. "It is unbearably hot. My throat keeps getting parched and I worry that I will fall sick," he said. "It takes much more energy to ride the rickshaw in summer." Although the work is hard, Virendra said he has no choice - he makes more money as a rickshaw puller than he would doing unskilled labor.

• Down To Earth

BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL NEW DELHI (PRINCIPAL BENCH)

Article Published In The Magazine I.e Down To Earth Dated 13 January 2022 Under The Title Time's Running Out : Is India Ready To Handle 34600 Tonnes Of Solar Waste By 2030 .... Applicant(s) Versus .... Respondent(s) Date of Hearing: 24.05.2022 Matter stands adjourned to: 19.07.2022

• Down To Earth

BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL PRINCIPALBENCH

Article Published in the magazine i.e. Down to Earth dated 13, January, 2022 under the title Times’s running out; Is India ready to handle 34,000 tonnes of Solar Waste by 2030? Applicant Date of hearing: 14.02.2022 CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE BRIJESH SETHI, JUDICIAL MEMBER HON’BLE PROF. A. SENTHIL VEL, EXPERT MEMBER Application is registered as Suo Motu Case based on an Article published in Down to Earth Magazine. ORDER 1. The Suo Motu cognizance has been taken by this Tribunal on an Article Published in the magazine i.e. ‘Down to Earth dated 13, January, 2022 under the title ‘Times’s running out; Is India ready to handle 34,000 tonnes of Solar Waste by 2030?’. It is published in the article that India’s ambitious solar target is 280 GW by 2030 and it is high time to formulate a sound solar waste management policy, whereas India does not have a solar waste management policy. 2. In view of the serious problem which we are going to face in future, a Joint Committee of Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF & CC) and Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) shall be constituted to ascertain the factual position in the matter. The MoEF & CC will be the Nodal agency for 2 coordination and compliance. The Joint Committee may meet within four weeks and undertake site visit, if required and look into the grievance. Accordingly, an Action Plan shall be prepared with regard to environmentally sound management of solar panel waste in accordance with the laid down norms. The Action Plan/Report may be furnished within three months by e-mail at judicial-ngt@gov.in preferably in the form of searchable PDF/ OCR Support PDF and not in the form of Image PDF. 3. List the matter for consideration on 24.05.2022. A copy of this order, along with a copy of the complaint, be forwarded to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) and Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) by e-mail for compliance. Brijesh Sethi, JM Prof. A. Senthil Vel, EM February, 14, 2022 Original Application No. 112/2022 AP & AG

• Down To Earth

‘Holes’ in Biodiversity Bill

What are the points of contention raised by experts on the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021? The story so far:Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticised the provisions of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 that is currently being reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). The law was introduced in Parliament on December 16 last year by the Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, and was referred to the JPC. Mr. Ramesh is a member of the committee, whose chairperson is BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal. What do the amendments in the Bill deal with? The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was framed to give effect to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1992, that strives for sustainable, fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge. To do this, it formulates a three-tier structure consisting of a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) at the national level, State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) at the State level and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at local body levels. The primary responsibility of the BMCs is to document local biodiversity and associated knowledge in the form of a People’s Biodiversity Register. The amended Bill was drafted in response to complaints by traditional Indian medicine practitioners, the seed sector, and industry and researchers that the Act imposed a heavy “compliance burden” and made it hard to conduct collaborative research and investments and simplify patent application processes. The text of the Bill also says that it proposes to “widen the scope of levying access and benefit sharing with local communities and for further conservation of biological resources.” The Bill seeks to exempt registered AYUSH medical practitioners and people accessing codified traditional knowledge, among others, from giving prior intimation to State biodiversity boards for accessing biological resources for certain purposes. Environmentalist organisations such as Legal Initiative for Forests and Environment (LIFE) have said that the amendments were made to “solely benefit” the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) Ministry and would pave the way for “bio piracy.” The modifications will exempt AYUSH manufacturing companies from needing approvals from the NBA and thus will go against one of the core provisions of the Act. What are Mr. Ramesh’s objections? Mr. Ramesh contended that the Environment Ministry was drawing a distinction between a registered AYUSH practitioner and a company, and exempting the former from the Act. He said this was an “artificial distinction” as nothing prevented a registered AYUSH practitioner from having informal links with a company structure. These paved the way for potential “abuse of the law,” he said in a letter to Mr. Jaiswal and other committee members. Multiple provisions of the Bill, he said, were aimed at diluting the authority of the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), especially the clause appointing 16 ex-officio officers of the Centre. Another provision, that requires companies to seek the approval of the NBA only at the time of commercialisation, and not when applying for a patent, was of concern. The Bill also decriminalised violations, such as bio-piracy and made them civil offences, and this defeated the Act’s “deterrent powers,” he said. Are there other shortcomings in the Bill? An analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the Down To Earth magazine on how the Biodiversity Act was being practically implemented, pointed out serious shortcomings. There was no data available — barring a few States — on the money received from companies and traders for access and benefit-sharing from use of traditional knowledge and resources. It was unclear if companies had even paid communities despite commitments. In the case of the Irula Cooperative in Tamil Nadu — traditional knowledge holders of the method of collecting snake venom used for pharmaceutical products — only one company had agreed to pay, but even that promise remained unfulfilled. State boards told Down to Earth that the money collected has not been disbursed to communities because there was no information available about the knowledge holders. The law says that if the information was unavailable, then funds ought to be spent on conservation in the region from where the knowledge-bioresources come. As of now, the funds were lying unutilised, according to State boards. As per law, Indian pharmaceutical companies are required to pay between 3-5% on the extracted bioresources or between 0.01-0.05% on the annual gross ex-factory sales. But companies have resisted paying. In most cases, the courts have held that these companies have to seek prior approval and make payments to the NBA or the State boards. Often, it was not clear who was required to pay, how much or what has already been paid. The proposed amendments didn’t address these issues and so aren’t helpful in solving the current challenges of implementation

• Down To Earth

What are ‘green prescriptions,’ the new remedy for lifestyle, genetic and chronic diseases?

Spend time in the wilderness. Walk the hills. Try forest bathing. Raft in calming waters. Try your hand at therapeutic horticulture... All this sounds like friendly advice from a friend concerned about your health but is actually what a standard prescription from a doctor in the future could look like. In some parts of the world, it is already a reality. In India too, physicians are waking up to the merits of ‘green prescriptions,’ as a remedy for several lifestyle, genetic and chronic diseases. Medicines alone cannot do the job of restoring health. Green prescriptions are here to assist. It is a health management protocol wherein, in addition to medication, one is encouraged to make the most of the healing facets of nature. Doctors are writing these for various ailments, including long COVID-19. According to a recent Lancet study, long COVID can impact the quality of life for two years after infection. Spending time in nature can offer curative perks. The World Health Organization (WHO) seconds this. It describes nature as ‘our greatest source of health and well-being.’ The Finns have been one of the first to acknowledge this. In Finland, five hours a month in nature is considered the minimum dose to recover from the aftermath of the pandemic. If you don’t have the luxury of a forest, a walk in the park will do. Clinicians from New Zealand, the UK and Japan are leading us to ‘greener pastures.’ Canada recently joined the bandwagon. Doctors in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario are actively prescribing ‘nature healing’ as a remedy for lung diseases, diabetes, blood pressure, mood and sleep disorders, and anxiety. Some are even issuing passes to the country’s national parks, marine conservation areas and historic sites as part of their treatment plan. “There is good reason for this,” says Meerut-based Internal Medicine specialist Dr Suresh Sahai, who recently started giving out green prescriptions to his patients. “For one, being close to nature is associated with better endocrinological function. It lowers the risk of diabetes, thyroid diseases, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, infertility, and more. It also helps in immunoregulation, an increasing matter of concern.” Biodiversity loss is at the centre of this. Over 90 percent of the area under the biodiversity hotspots in India has been lost, according to a 2021 report by the Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE). “It is a grave matter for scientists and environmental researchers as this loss could make the human species sick. Environmental microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria and fungi that make up the microbial biodiversity, are instrumental in maintaining a robust ecosystem. “It is necessary for humans to be exposed to a variety of these microbes to build immunity. If one is closed off from it or if microbes from the environments fade, the immune system will never know how to build a defence response against these invaders, thus increasing susceptibility to infections,” says Sahai. The immune system was brought down to the battleground during Covid and tested it all ways possible. It has shown just how important its role will be even in the future. “But unfortunately, many cities are seeing a biodiversity loss. Changes in this ecosystem increase the risk of infectious diseases both in humans and in animals. It also puts nations at the risk of zoonotic outbreaks,” says Sahai, who believes that the many national parks in India (close to 63)should be leveraged as well-being hotspots. “Even if a tiny part of these massive sanctuaries are developed for safe access, humans could benefit enormously like it is already happening in some countries.” In the United States, the Park Rx America platform lets doctors give access to state parks to patients. In South Korea, forest bathing is encouraged. It is a Japanese practice of inducing calmness in oneself by spending time in the verdant surroundings of a forest. Green prescriptions are not limited to spending time in nature alone. It extends to social connections, getting enough sunlight, exercise, and clean eating. “For instance, urban Indians just do not get enough sun. Exposure to it is necessary for the production of a chemical in the brain called serotonin that regulates the mood, digestion, sleep, and libido, among more. It is fundamental to how you feel and operate,” says Delhi-based life coach Mridula Raman. Fostering positive social connections is one of the most important suggestions on Raman’s green prescriptions. “Strong, fulfilling connections increases life span by 50 percent. In fact, research has shown that the genes of lonely people work differently. Their white blood cells are prone to overactivity, increasing the chance of an inflammation. Loneliness can lower viral defence and exacerbate heart conditions. Social connectedness, on the other hand, helps recover from disease faster and may even get you off anti-depressants,” she says. How much is good enough? Your doctor will tell you how much of a certain natural remedy you need. The important thing to understand is that there are no rigid rules around this form of natural treatment. “Also, green prescriptions are offered as supplemental support and not as a substitute for medications. For some, a daily 10-minute walk in the park or a stroll by a lake (being close to water triggers positive neurochemicals) is all one needs. For others, it could be spending a few months away from their overly-stimulated life,” says Raman. You can also do something as simple as planting trees. Researchers in Canada have found that adding a few trees to a block improved perceived health and well-being as much as increasing people’s income by $10,000 or making them seven years younger. Ready to heal with green energy? What a green prescription could read like: ✥ Reconnecting with nature by taking walks, watching sunsets/sunrises, forest bathing, spending time by a water body, camping, boating, planting trees and flower beds, and walking barefoot on the grass, among other things. ✥ Fostering social connections by making new friends, acquainting yourself with neighbours and colleagues who you don’t know much about, joining social groups, and spending more time with family, and pets. ✥ Prioritising eating clean and exercising.