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Wet-bulb heat: A rising threat we cannot ignore
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Context
The increasing threat of wet-bulb heat, a combination of high temperature and humidity, is becoming a significant concern due to climate change and global warming.
Understanding Wet-Bulb Heat:
- Record-Breaking Temperatures: A weather station in Delhi reported a maximum temperature of 52.9° Celsius, the highest ever for India. This extreme heat, along with increasing humidity, is creating oven-like conditions across large parts of the country.
- Increasing Humidity: An analysis of data from the India Meteorological Department reveals that the hot season has gradually become muggier. The average relative humidity in summer months in Delhi has risen from 52.5% in the first decade of the millennium to above 60% in recent years.
- Concept of Wet-Bulb Heat: Wet-bulb heat refers to readings of a thermometer whose bulb is covered with a cloth soaked in water. As the ambient air becomes more humid, the cooling effect of evaporation weakens, leading to higher wet-bulb temperatures.
Implications of Rising Wet-Bulb Heat:
- Health Risks: Exposure to extreme humid heat can induce stress and even prove fatal. Global human tolerance studies suggest that spending five hours or more outdoors in wet-bulb heat of above 35° Celsius could be lethal.
- Vulnerable Population: On current trends, the bulk of our population may be vulnerable to wet-bulb heat by mid-century. Millions of outdoor workers in India face severe health risks due to wet-bulb heat.
- Energy Demand: The energy needed to keep Indians safe and cool would be enormous, potentially pushing us into a vicious cycle if we don’t plan properly. Achieving carbon neutrality by 2070 will not be easy, even with the adoption of clean-tech options for electricity.
Urgency of Preparedness and Policy Action:
- Awareness and Education: Understanding and communicating the concept of wet-bulb heat is essential for preparing the public and policymakers for the increasing threat posed by heat and humidity.
- Policy Interventions: Immediate and effective policies are needed to protect vulnerable populations, including the implementation of heat action plans, provision of cooling centers, and promoting urban planning that reduces heat retention.
- Long-term Strategies: Comprehensive planning and investment in sustainable infrastructure are vital to mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring that India can adapt to the worsening conditions and protect its citizens from future heat-related fatalities.
UPSC Mains Questions:
Q. Discuss the concept of wet-bulb heat and its implications for public health and workforce productivity in India.
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