Urban Heat Management: Crisis and Solutions | DTE Call For Action

Summary

In 2023 and 2024, India faced unprecedented heatwaves, with Delhi experiencing a 39-day spell above 40°C. The India Meteorological Department reported a 62% rise in heatwave-related deaths over 20 years. The crisis is exacerbated by declining green spaces and increasing urban heat islands. Solutions include enhancing urban planning with green infrastructure, integrating passive cooling in structures, and adopting sustainable technologies to reduce heat impacts.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ India experienced record-breaking heatwaves in 2023 and 2024, with severe impacts on health and infrastructure.
• 🏙️ Delhi faced a particularly harsh 39-day heat spell, highlighting the widespread nature of the heat crisis.
• ⚠️ There's been a significant increase in heatwave-related deaths, with a 62% rise over the past 20 years.
• 🌡️ Heat exposure is severe, affecting over 90% of the area in several Indian cities during peak summer months.
• 💧 Humidity, when excessive, can worsen heat conditions, contributing to the heat index and increasing health risks.
• 🌳 The decline in green and blue infrastructure is a significant factor behind the heat crisis, as it leads to urban heat islands.
• 🏢 Urban planning flaws, such as high-rise buildings and heat-retaining materials, exacerbate the urban heat island effect.
• 🌡️ Night-time temperatures are a concern, with the risk of mortality being higher on hot days with hot nights.
• 🌿 A 'Recipe of Coolth' is proposed, focusing on urban planning, structures, and metabolism to combat the heat crisis.
• 🔄 Renewable energy sources and efficient cooling technologies are key to reducing heat impacts and creating livable urban spaces.

Q & A

What was the record-breaking heat event in Delhi during 2023 and 2024?

Delhi experienced a record-breaking 39-day heat spell from May 13th to June 20th, with temperatures consistently exceeding 40 degrees.

How has the frequency and severity of heatwaves in India changed over the past 20 years according to the India Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Earth Sciences?

There has been a 62% increase in heatwave-related deaths over the past 20 years, driven by a 138% rise in heatwaves.

Which Indian cities were particularly affected by extreme heat according to the CSE analysis?

Nagpur and Ahmedabad were particularly affected, with over 95% of their areas exposed to high heat.

What is the heat index and how does it affect our perception of heat?

The heat index tells us how hot it feels when we combine the air temperature with the humidity, indicating that it's not just hot, it's 'sticky hot'.

What is the impact of declining green and blue infrastructure on urban heat?

Declining green and blue infrastructure leads to a rise in heat-retaining materials like concrete and asphalt, which trap heat and contribute to the urban heat island effect.

How does the Urban Heat Island effect influence mortality rates?

The risk of mortality is 50 percent higher on hot days with hot nights compared to hot days with cooler nights.

What role does urban planning play in exacerbating the heat effect in cities?

Unthoughtful urban planning can hinder natural wind flow, resulting in stagnant air and reduced ventilation, which intensifies heat accumulation.

How can the use of air conditioners contribute to the heat issue in cities?

The reliance on air conditioners not only boosts greenhouse gas emissions but also releases additional heat outdoors, further intensifying the heat issue.

What is the 'Recipe of Coolth' mentioned in the script and what does it involve?

The 'Recipe of Coolth' involves working on various elements at three levels: urban cover, structures, and metabolism, to combat the heat crisis through comprehensive urban planning, passive cooling elements, and efficient utilization of cooling technologies.

How can cities adapt to mitigate the impact of heatwaves?

Cities can adapt by enhancing and expanding blue-green infrastructure, incorporating passive cooling elements in urban structures, and focusing on urban design with sustainable building materials and nature-based cooling measures.

What is the relationship between air pollution and heat as mentioned in the script?

Areas with high pollution levels often experience higher temperatures due to pollutants trapping heat near the ground.