Over 80% of India’s elderly could face dangerous heat levels at 3°C global warming, says Lancet study

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health warns that over 80% of India's elderly population could be exposed to dangerously high heat levels by the time global warming reaches 3°C. India is among the most vulnerable countries, with more than 80% of its older adults at risk of experiencing at least 180 hours of intolerable heat per year at 3°C of warming. This is a significant concern, considering that older adults are more vulnerable to heat due to their reduced ability to regulate body temperature.

The study highlights that heat exposure is not spread evenly throughout the year, with the most intense exposure occurring between May and September. At 3°C of warming, older adults in India could face intolerable heat repeatedly for several consecutive months, leaving little time for their bodies to recover. This prolonged exposure would put immense pressure on cooling resources, electricity, health services, and heat-response programs.

Previous studies have underestimated the risks faced by older people due to the limited understanding of heat tolerance in older adults. As people age, their bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature, which increases their susceptibility to heat-related health issues. The study emphasizes that age-related vulnerability should be taken into account when developing heat-health early warning systems and heat-emergency plans.

South Asia, including India, is among the most vulnerable regions globally, with a significant proportion of the population at risk of facing unsafe heat conditions. This calls for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly in South Asia, where the combination of intense heat, large vulnerable populations, and limited resources for adaptation poses a significant challenge.