Several states in India are facing severe heat waves. With this, there’s been a rise in night-time temperatures. A new analysis reveals that climate change has added 50 to 80 nights each year where temp exceed 25°C. This change severely impacts health and sleep.
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURES
The analysis by Climate Central and Climate Trends indicates that climate change is causing warmer nights in India. This has serious implications for sleep and health. The combustion of fossil fuels is warming the planet, leading to higher night-time temperatures.
REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURE INCREASES
Mumbai has experienced the greatest increase in night-time temperatures. The city has seen an additional 65 days of warmer nights due to global warming. West Bengal and Assam are the most affected regions. Cities like Jalpaiguri, Guwahati, Silchar, Dibrugarh, and Siliguri are experiencing 80 to 86 more days above the 25°C threshold each year.
RECORD-BREAKING NIGHTTIME HEAT
The findings come during a week when several Indian cities set new night-time heat records. On June 19, Delhi broke the all-time high minimum temperature record, reaching 35.2°C overnight. On June 18, Alwar in Rajasthan experienced a minimum temperature of 37°C, the highest night-time temperature since records began in 1969.
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF HIGHER NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURES
Higher night-time temperatures cause physiological discomfort. They prevent the body’s temperature from dropping during the night, increasing the risk of death. Rising night-time temperatures negatively impact sleep quality and duration. Poor sleep affects physical and mental health, cognitive functioning, and life expectancy. Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those without adequate cooling mechanisms, are disproportionately affected.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURE CHANGES
The analysis examined night-time temperatures exceeding 20° and 25°C over the last ten years (2014-2023). It focused on India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Between 2018 and 2023, the average person on Earth experienced 4.8 more nights with temperatures above 20°C due to climate change. During this period, the average person spent an additional 11.5 nights per year in temperatures above 25°C.
URGENT CALL FOR CLIMATE ACTION
The report concludes with a call for immediate action to combat climate change and mitigate its effects on human health. The authors propose several solutions, including lowering greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. They advocate for increased awareness of the health consequences of climate change and more research into adaptation strategies.
