Introduction
The recent heatwave in Asia is considered the most extreme climate event in history. With temperatures breaking all records, the nations’ governments issued high warnings regarding public health. Some cities have closed schools and advised their citizens to remain indoors.
Regional Impacts
Online education is preferred in some parts of the Philippines, like Manila, where temperatures reached 38.8 degrees Celsius, surpassing decades-old records. In India’s Bengaluru, known for its mild climate, the temperature soared to 41 degrees Celsius in April.
Thailand experienced temperatures of up to 44°C during this summer, with over 30 fatalities reported. The Meteorological Department predicts a 1-2 degree rise in temperature compared to last year. In Cambodia, temperatures soared to 43 °C, the highest in 170 years. These extreme conditions highlight the urgent need to address climate change.
Socio-economic situations
The heat wave has far-reaching social and economic implications, particularly for vulnerable groups. Outdoor labour sectors experience productivity losses, while stressed infrastructure contributes to energy shortages. Inequalities in access to cooling and treatment accentuate these issues.
Some scientists attribute this extreme event to El Nino, causing dry spells and low crop yields. The strain on power grids and the water shortage increase human health risks.
How does heat affect the human body?
It depends on two main factors: the humidity level of the air and the temperature. A healthy human body can endure a maximum temperature of 35°C with 100% humidity. Humans regulate their body temperature through sweating combined with evaporation. However, as temperature and humidity increase, perspiration becomes less effective at cooling the body, leading to heatstroke, organ failure, and death in severe cases.
Every human body is different, with variable threshold limits due to age, health condition, etc. The reaction to heat also depends on the same factors. As the global temperature rises, scientists warn that heat-related fatalities will become more common.
Here are a few tips to beat the heat this summer:
Watch what you eat and drink
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is the key to staying cool
- Avoid sugary, caffeinated beverages, as these tend to cause dehydration
- Eat light meals, as it will lessen the burden on digestion
- Eat home-cooked, easy meals
- Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables as much as possible
- Liquid intake can be reinforced with various healthy drinks like fresh fruit juice or buttermilk
Staying cool at home
- Wear pure cotton clothes only
- Use loose-fitting clothing
- Use cold water for bathing, and regularly splash cold water on your face, and allow it to dry naturally when it gets too hot
- If you are going out, take your water bottle and some fruit
- Use natural techniques to keep your rooms ventilated. You can use Khus curtains or vetiver curtains and sprinkle them with water
- In the early morning hours, when the temperature is normally low, you can open your windows and door for proper ventilation
- The sun is at its brightest between 11:00 am and 4 pm. Avoid stepping outdoors during these hours
Long Term Action
- Plant trees; in this sweltering summer you can feel the difference under the shade
- Reuse plastic items, avoid buying harmful plastics. If you want to know what plastic is doing to us, click here
Conclusion
The recent heatwave intensified by the El Nino phenomenon reflects a complex combination of natural phenomena and human-induced climate change. The warmer global weather pattern with global warming intensified heat waves in various parts of the world, currently hitting parts of Asia badly. The need is the call of global leaders to make efforts.
Ultimately, the current heatwave highlights the critical need for immediate action to mitigate climate change and strengthen resilience to extreme weather occurrences. Working together at the local, national, and global levels, we can help to restore the balance for future generations.
Sources
Southeast Asia swelters in record-setting heatwave
Wave of exceptionally hot weather scorches south and south-east Asia
Heat wave in Southeast Asia closes schools, triggers health alerts
Widespread parts of Asia and Africa reel under extreme weather
Scientists Identify The Maximum Heat Limit The Human Body Can Take
