6 days ago
Climate Change Exposes 145 Million Indian Children to Heat Stress
A new study says many children in India are spending more time in dangerously hot and humid conditions.
About 145 million Indian children aged 0-9 experience at least one extra month of this heat each year because of climate change.
Hot, humid air makes it difficult for sweat to cool the body.
Children can become dehydrated or suffer heatstroke more easily than adults.
Extreme heat can also make it harder for them to learn, play and travel safely.
Poorer families may have fewer cool places, reliable electricity or other ways to escape the heat.
The study says the problem could grow if the world gets warmer.
Scientists are calling for lower fossil-fuel emissions and stronger protections for children.
A Vrije Universiteit Brussel study estimates that 145 million Indian children aged 0-9 experience at least one additional month of heat stress annually because of human-induced climate change.
Globally, up to 560 million children in this age group face at least one additional month of climate-linked heat stress each year.
The study defines dangerous humid heat as a wet-bulb globe temperature above 28°C in the shade.
Children are especially vulnerable because their bodies heat faster, sweat less efficiently and depend on adults for hydration and protection.
The researchers say reducing fossil-fuel emissions and limiting warming are necessary to protect children from worsening heat exposure.
- Who
- Researchers from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, along with health experts and child-safety advocates, examined heat exposure among children aged 0-9.
- What
- A study found that 145 million Indian children experience at least one additional month of humid heat stress each year attributable to human-induced climate change.
- Where
- India, with related global estimates; the study was conducted by researchers at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
- When
- The study describes current annual exposure and projects conditions in worlds warmed by 1.5°C and 2°C.
- Why
- Human-induced climate change is making heat stress days more frequent or intense, increasing risks of dehydration, heatstroke and impacts on children’s health and learning.
Key facts
- Indian children affected
- 145 million children aged 0-9, or 61% of that age group, experience at least one additional month of climate-attributable heat stress annually.
- Global estimate
- Up to 560 million children aged 0-9, or 43% of the age group worldwide, experience at least one additional month of climate-linked heat stress each year.
- Heat-stress definition
- The study defines humid heat stress as a wet-bulb globe temperature above 28°C in the shade.
- India’s rising burden
- The number of Indian children exposed to at least five total months of dangerous heat stress has risen from 59 million to 118 million, according to the analysis.
- 1.5°C projection
- Around 166 million Indian children, or 74%, could experience at least one additional month of heat stress annually.
- 2°C projection
- Around 169 million Indian children, or 96%, could experience at least one additional month of heat stress annually.
- Most vulnerable groups
- Children from low-income families may have fewer options such as air-conditioning, reliable electricity or access to cool spaces.
Quotes
Bhavreen Kandhari
Delhi-based mother and founder of the Warrior Moms network
“In India, rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves are making it increasingly difficult for children to stay safe and healthy.”
indianexpress.com
“Extreme heat must be treated as a disaster, not just a weather warning.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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