By Dr. Krishna AchutaRao, Professor, Centre for Atmospheric Sciences Affiliate Faculty, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India

India is staring down a future of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves. As someone who has spent over three decades studying climate change, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact these extreme events have on human lives, our economy, and existing social inequalities. While research on heatwave risks in India has expanded significantly, translating this knowledge into effective policy action remains a critical and urgent challenge.

One of the first things we must acknowledge is that heatwave risk is not uniform across India. Regions like the northwestern part of the country, extending from Gujarat and Rajasthan, are inherently more susceptible to extreme heat. This geographical disparity necessitates region-specific vulnerability assessments and tailored adaptation strategies. A one-size-fits-all approach will not work.

Another significant challenge lies in quantifying the full spectrum of heatwave impacts. While the immediate consequences – heatstroke deaths, and crop failures – are readily apparent, the long-term economic and social repercussions are often more complicated to grasp. While we can calculate immediate economic losses, understanding the cascading effects on communities and livelihoods over time requires more nuanced methodologies. We need to develop better tools to measure what we currently struggle to quantify.

Effective governance is paramount in bridging the gap between research and action. This involves clearly defining roles and responsibilities across different levels of government – national, state, and local. We need streamlined coordination to ensure that research findings inform policy decisions and that these policies are implemented effectively on the ground. This also means providing local governments with the resources and capacity they need to develop and execute heat action plans tailored to their specific contexts.

Despite the growing body of research highlighting these complexities, translating findings into concrete policy interventions remains a persistent hurdle. Bureaucratic inertia, limited political will, and inadequate funding hinder the process. This disconnect between research and action underscores the need for a more integrated approach to heatwave risk management in India.

So, how do we bridge this gap?

Firstly, we need stronger collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders. This means creating platforms for dialogue, ensuring research findings are disseminated in accessible formats, and actively involving communities in shaping policy decisions. Secondly, we must prioritise investments in heatwave preparedness and adaptation measures, particularly in highly vulnerable regions. This includes strengthening early warning systems, improving healthcare infrastructure, and promoting community-based heat action plans.

As climate change continues to escalate, the urgency to address heatwave risks in India cannot be overstated. We need a proactive and coordinated approach that prioritises evidence-based policymaking, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement. Only by bridging the gap between research and action can we hope to mitigate the devastating impacts of heatwaves and secure a more resilient future for all Indians.

Photo caption: “We are used to working under the sun. We do not enjoy it, but what choice do we have? I have to work to feed my family.” – A woman construction worker in Delhi. Photo: AIDMI.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.