Tamil Nadu is emerging as one of India’s most heat-vulnerable states, with over 89% of its districts classified under high to very high heat risk categories.
This alarming trend is primarily driven by rising nighttime temperatures, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect in cities like Chennai. Experts warn that these developments pose significant threats to public health, agriculture, and energy infrastructure. A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) highlights that none of Tamil Nadu’s districts fall under the very low or low heat risk categories. Approximately 11% of districts face moderate heat risk, while 43% are at high risk, and 46% are at very high risk. Over the past decade, heatwaves in these districts have lengthened by over three days, intensifying their impacts.
Chennai, the state’s capital, has witnessed an increase of four additional “very warm” nights per summer. This phenomenon is largely attributed to the urban heat island effect, where cities retain heat well into the night due to dense infrastructure and limited green spaces. Such prolonged heat exposure hampers the body’s ability to cool down, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly and children. National data from 1981 to 2022 indicates that the frequency of very warm nights is increasing faster than very hot days, particularly in the last decade. This trend is influenced by natural climate cycles such as El Niño and La Niña. For instance, during strong El Niño years like 1997 and 2016, both very hot days and very warm nights were significantly more frequent.
The rising nighttime temperatures are especially concerning because they prevent the body from cooling and recovering after hot days, increasing health risks for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. In Tamil Nadu, as in other states like Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, and Karnataka, vulnerability to heat is further exacerbated by the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. These conditions increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, placing additional strain on the state’s healthcare system. The State Planning Commission has acknowledged the severity of the situation and is developing a heat mitigation strategy. This includes implementing workplace safety protocols, establishing mechanisms for monitoring heat stress levels, and promoting sustainable cooling solutions. The state is also working on adopting and enforcing the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for both commercial and residential sectors to reduce electricity demand for cooling and refrigeration. These measures aim to enhance resilience and flexibility in the electricity system, which is crucial for meeting decarbonisation goals.
Additionally, Tamil Nadu is collaborating with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) under the National Urban Cooling Programme. This initiative focuses on integrating measures on extreme heat and sustainable cooling into the city’s master plan, promoting energy-efficient air conditioners, district cooling, nature-based solutions, and cool roofs. Chennai is the first city to receive support under this programme, marking a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by rising temperatures. In conclusion, Tamil Nadu’s escalating heat risk necessitates urgent and comprehensive action. By implementing adaptive strategies, promoting sustainable cooling solutions, and enhancing public awareness, the state can mitigate the adverse impacts of extreme heat and build a resilient future for its residents.
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