Southasiadisasters.net issue No. 212, July 2024

INTRODUCTION

The latest issue of Southasiadisasters.net focuses on the crucial topic of “Extreme Heat Adaptation and Mitigation Programming: Lessons from the Affected Population”. As the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events continue to rise due to climate change, vulnerable populations in South Asia face significant health risks and socio-economic challenges. This issue delves into the pressing need for proactive measures to safeguard communities from the impacts of extreme heat.

Extreme heat has become a leading cause of weather-related mortality, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, outdoor labourers, and the urban poor. It exacerbates existing inequalities and overwhelms healthcare systems, making it imperative for governments, civil society, and stakeholders to develop and implement effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.

This issue highlights a range of topics, including best practices for urban planning to reduce heat islands, community-based resilience strategies, and the role of local governance in heat action plans. It also offers insights into successful interventions and policies from across South Asia, emphasizing the need for tailored, region-specific solutions.

Most importantly, this issue calls upon governments, civil society, and international organizations to take urgent and meaningful action to mitigate the risks of extreme heat. It encourages stakeholders to collaborate on implementing effective heat adaptation programs that protect the most vulnerable and build long-term resilience against this growing threat.

IN THIS ISSUE

1. Extreme Heat: Key Lessons – Mihir R. Bhatt interviewed by Manish Patel, AIDMI, India
2. Lessons from NRDC Partners: Top Three Lessons by Dr. Vijay Limaye, Senior Scientist and Director, Science Office & International, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
3. Shelter Lessons from Heatwave Affected Population: Top Three Lessons by Rajneesh Sareen, Programme Director, Sustainable Habitat Programme, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, India
4. Exploring the Role of Community Commons in Heat Stress Adaptation by Dr. Anjali Karol Mohan, Consulting Urban and Regional Planner; Partner at Integrated Design, Bangalore, India
5. Green Solutions for Programming Sustainable Heatwave Adaptation and Mitigation: Lessons from Coastal Bangladesh by Muhammad Taher, Bangladesh
6. Heatwave Adaptation and Mitigation Programming – Lessons from Vulnerable Populations by Kshitij Gupta, AIDMI, India
7. Lessons from South to North: Adaptation Measures by Heatwave Affected Population by Md. Tahsinul Haque, Freelance Writer, BSS (Sociology), MSS (Sociology), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
8. Heatwave in Asia: Agenda for Action by Habib Ur Rehman, Climate Change Specialist for Asia, International Rescue Committee
9. Future of Heatwaves in South Asia by Kunal Satyarthi, Krishna AchutaRao, Mariam Zachariah, Mihir R. Bhatt and Khayal Trivedi
10. Planning for Extreme Heat: Lessons and Recommendations for South Asia by Owen Gow, Associate Director, Arsht-Rock; Lenio Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer, UN-Habitat & Arsht-Rock; Bushra Afreen, Chief Heat Officer, Dhaka North; and Mihir R. Bhatt, AIDMI, India
11. Economic Resilience in the Face of Heatwaves: Insights from India’s Heat-Exposed Workers by Akash Yadav, AIDMI, India
12. Heatwaves in Africa: What Communities Are Doing by Paul Lodry DONGMO, Environmentalist, Disaster Risk Reduction and GHG MRV Expert and Coordinator of African Environmental Network, Africa