Exposure To Heat Stress

Rising urban heat does not only affect health. It disrupts productivity and slows economic activity. By 2030, an estimated 34 million full-time jobs are projected to be lost to rising heat stress.

This map shows the daily maximum heat stress based on average conditions between 1981 and 2019. Across India, an estimated 108 crore people face very strong heat stress for more than 100 days a year, while 36 crore people endure extreme heat stress for 20 or more days annually.

Urban areas bear a disproportionate burden due to the urban heat island effect, inadequate tree cover, vehicular pollution, combustion and widespread concretisation. Four long-term sectoral interventions can help mitigate the impact:

• Energy efficiency in buildings and construction
• Increased blue-green infrastructure
• Sustainable mobility, including walking and cycling
• Planned waste management