South Asia is urged to ensure Urban Heat Management Mechanisms: World Bank Report

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Climate Change is impacting almost every region across the world with different variations and nature of impact. Among these, South Asia is considered one among them which that is more at danger. People have witnessed frequent earthquakes, rainstorms, floods, extreme weathers etc. The region being at risk is not just because of climate change but its inability to combat the challenges due to lack of preparedness and resources.

At the start of April, it was reported that heat-wave has struck the region at the earlier stage of summer leaving some people died in India.  

The World Bank recently published a report titled ‘Urban Heat in South Asia: Integrating People and Places in Adapting to Rising Temperature’. The report explains certain points relating to the issues and planning. The summary of the report is as under:

·        South Asia is home to quarter of World’s Population. Rapid urbanization is pushing the region at various issues relating to climate change. The recent among them is Urban heatwaves and region is least equipped to manage this issue. 

·        About 3600 heat related death have reported so far. In 2022, people experienced record breaking temperatures like 51 degrees Celsius was noted in some part of Pakistan.

·        There is high density and less green spaces challenging the climate status of the region.

·        Heat adaptive measure including mechanical cooling is not affordable to more than majority of the population. This is due to poverty and erratic supply of electricity.

·        It is not the case that urban heat is unpredictable. It is often underestimated and rarely reported. Proper measures can protect the masses.

·         The knowledge of temperatures in South Asia is limited to satellite data or studies without spatial reference. This hinders clear understanding of the issue according to the report.

·        Although there are many constraints like any other developing economies or underdeveloped countries in the world may face. But lessons could be learnt from the developed nations to understand best practices and potential heat management mechanisms, the report suggested.  

·        The report explained the matter that temperature rises in urban areas due to absorption of more solar radiation than the rural peripheries. This phenomenon is called Urban Heat Island ((UHI) effect.

·        It was analysed in the report that from 1950-2017, global warming experienced twice the average it was earlier.

·        The report suggested that the stakeholder should design the heat management system to address both social and spatial vulnerabilities.

·        The urban areas require to measure overall heat vulnerability, risk factors, building density and materials, green/blue spaces, and social, economic, and demographic determinants.

·        There is dire need of inclusive heat planning and policymaking regarding climate adaptation, and heat management particularly.

·        The report urged the stakeholders responsible for policymaking to endure urban planning in context climate friendly approach.

(Courtesy: World Bank/Dawn)