Heatwaves making most vulnerable hardest hit, South Asia worst hit on losing working hours: IFRC, OCHA study

BATHINDA: International federation of red cross and red crescent societies (IFRC), UN office for coordination of humanitarian affairs (OCHA) and Red Cross red crescent climate centre in its latest study has found that South Asia is the worst hit in losing the working hours due to heat stress which is expected to increase to 5.3% in year 2030 from 4% in 1995. The South Asia is followed by 4.8% in Western Africa.
Going by the severity of the situation on global warming due to climate change, which is bringing previously unimaginable challenges to areas least responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the latest study, first time jointly released by IFRC, OCHA and Red Cross red crescent climate centre, has shown that heatwaves are becoming more frequent, more intense and longer and the most vulnerable are hardest hit. The study 'Extreme heat: Preparing for the heatwaves of the future (October 2022)' released on Monday reviews as how the increase in deadly heat waves threatens to drive new emergency needs in the not-so-distant future.
The study finds that heatwaves killing thousands of people every year, and they will become deadlier with every further increment of climate change. Heatwaves demand a humanitarian response that is locally grounded, that acts quickly on the basis of data and analysis, and that works in partnerships with local governments, civil society to protect most vulnerable people.
The study finds heatwaves are a major cause of suffering and death, these prey on inequality. Their greatest impacts are on vulnerable, isolated and marginalized people. Climate change is already making heatwaves much more dangerous. Heatwaves will become deadlier with every further increment of temperature rise associated with climate change. Extreme heat has cascading impacts, threatening nonhuman life and undermining the systems that keep people healthy and alive.
The world has already witnessed temperature rise of 1.02% than pre industrial era. The women are more prone at 64%.
The study has suggested five steps to help prepare for the heat waves of the future; Build the evidence base on the impacts of extreme heat, and provide early, actionable information to decision makers. Support preparedness and expand anticipatory action for heatwaves and compound disasters. Explore new and more sustainable ways of financing local action. Adapt humanitarian response to accelerating extreme heat. Deepen engagement across the development, humanitarian and climate spheres.