India faces a critical risk from rising heat, marked by a 0.3°C rise in average temperature in a 30-year period and this is projected to increase further by 5.1°C in the next 75 years. By 2050, heatwave days in cities could increase four- to sevenfold, with peak temperatures rising from around 40°C to nearly 49°C where parts of India could experience conditions beyond human survivability, even in shade and at rest.
Given the scale of the problem and its growing impact on the ecosystem, there is an urgent need to focus on extreme heat stress and related vulnerabilities. To deepen understanding, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities, Sattva Consulting, supported by the H T Parekh Foundation, conducted a preliminary landscape study to identify key challenges, map existing solutions, and highlight areas requiring urgent action.
The study was launched against the backdrop of a webinar aimed at disseminating key findings, contextualising the intensity of heat stress in India, comparing global responses and examining the existing policy landscape. The insights shared by experts – Bijal Brahmbhatt (MHT), Jaya Dhindaw (WRI India Ross Center), and Dr Dinesh Arora (ADB) – highlighted the critical need for institutional ownership, robust data frameworks, multisectoral collaboration, and ground-level capacity building.
Share your feedback about the report on impact@sattva.co.in or contact@htparekhfoundation.com
