Heatwaves ravaging Asia

Emerging as the silent killer of all living species, agriculture, and economy

Even though May has yet to step in, heatwaves are sweeping across large parts of several countries in Asia. The worst April in the continent's history is witnessing the temperature soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in over a dozen countries.  With the mercury touching 45.4 degrees in Thailand, 44 degrees in India and Pakistan,   43.3 degrees in Myanmar, 42.4 degrees in China, 41.7 degrees in Bangladesh, and 42 degrees in Central Asia, people are passing through a harrowing time.

Heatstroke claimed 14 lives at Kharghar near Mumbai in India during an open air government event on April 16. Roads in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka melted in the hottest April in 58 years. China's 109 weather stations across 12 provinces have broken their record for high temperature for April.

 The cause  

Environmental experts and scientists generally explain extreme heatwaves as a result of climate change caused by human activities. The burning of fossil fuels (hydrocarbon-containing material like coal, crude oil, petroleum, natural gas, etc.) and deforestation releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and cause the planet to warm up, leading to a wide range of effects, including more frequent and intense heatwaves.

The increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves can lead to a range of impacts, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and even death. As temperatures rise, we can expect to see more frequent and severe heatwaves, as well as more intense storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires.

Heatwaves have occurred throughout history, and they are caused by a combination of natural and human factors. Natural factors include changes in the Earth's orbit and axial tilt, volcanic eruptions, and solar radiation. But the current trend of global warming is primarily driven by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution.

 The impact

· According to the World Health Organization, heatwaves are responsible for more deaths than any other natural disaster. These claim around 12,000 lives each year. Over 1,66,000 people died due to heatwaves from 1998 to 2017, including the 70,000 deaths in the 2003 European heatwave.

· A UN report says climate change is expected to cause a decline in global crop yields, potentially leading to food shortages. The report estimates that by 2050, global wheat and corn yields could decline by 2% and 7%, respectively, for each degree Celsius of global warming.

· In 2020, a heatwave in California led to power outages and water shortages. Some farmers were compelled to leave their fields unplanted due to lack of water.

·  In India, a heatwave in 2019 led to water shortages and crop failures, particularly in the state of Maharashtra. Farmers lost up to 80% of their crops.

· The journal Environmental Research Letters found that heatwaves in Europe in 2018 led to a 30% reduction in crop yields, particularly for wheat and maize.

 The solution

What is the way out? Experts recommend reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to clean energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and reducing deforestation. Policies and measures that help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as improving access to cooling centers, providing shade, and implementing heat-warning systems are also needed.

Enough of talk! Time to act!