Study reveals India accounts for over one-fifth of global heatwave deaths in the past 3 decades.
A new study analysing heatwave impacts between 1990 and 2019 has shed light on India facing over a fifth of such excess mortality worldwide. The research, led by Monash University in Australia and published in PLoS Medicine, studied data from 43 nations through the Multi-Country Multi-City collaborative.
It estimated yearly heatwave-linked deaths of over 1.53 lakh globally or 1% of total fatalities. India endured the highest toll at over 21%, followed by China and Russia with around 14% and 8%, respectively.
Of the total, almost half were concentrated in Asia, while over 30% were in Europe. High death rates were observed in dry, lower-middle-income regions.
The authors noted that average heatwaves led to about a third of all heat-related deaths. A comparison between the 1990-99 and 2000-19 decades also showed a 13.7-day duration and 0.35-degree Celsius temperature rise per decade.
While previous studies examined local excess deaths, this is among the first to compare estimates globally over 30 years and found variations by place and time.
We recommend comprehensive strategies, including climate action, heat plans, urban development, social protection, and preparedness to lower risks.
The findings underscore the need for robust resilience measures to safeguard the vulnerable from worsening climate impacts, such as those in India, which are bearing a significant brunt.
