UN Climate Chief Attributes India's Severe Heatwaves to Climate Change
India’s Punishing Summer Heat Driven By Climate Change, Says UN Climate Chief As Temperatures Soar

Image: News 18
India is facing extreme heat this May, with temperatures exceeding 48°C, attributed to worsening climate change, according to UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to stay hydrated and vigilant against heat exhaustion, especially among vulnerable groups.
- 01UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell emphasizes that climate change is the primary cause of India's severe heatwaves this May.
- 02Temperatures have reached 48.2°C in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, with many areas experiencing temperatures 3-5°C above normal.
- 03Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned citizens about heat exhaustion and advised hydration and vigilance.
- 04India's peak electricity demand hit a record 270.8 GW on May 21, highlighting the strain on energy resources during extreme heat.
- 05Stiell calls for a global transition to renewable energy to enhance energy security and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
India is currently enduring extreme heatwaves, with temperatures soaring above 48°C, driven primarily by climate change, as stated by UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell. This month has seen severe human and economic impacts across the country, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advise citizens to stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Stiell noted that the peak electricity demand reached a record 270.8 GW on May 21, exacerbating the situation amid rising fossil fuel costs due to global conflicts. He praised India's efforts in clean energy, particularly solar power, as essential for providing cooling and maintaining energy security. Stiell warned that not only India but the entire world is likely to face increased heat extremes in the future if climate action is not accelerated. Scientific evidence links global warming to the rising frequency and intensity of heatwaves, especially in countries like India that are highly susceptible to heat stress.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The extreme heat is straining India's energy resources and affecting daily life, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What measures do you think are most effective in combating extreme heat?
Connecting to poll...
More about United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




