In 2021 greenhouse gas concentrations, ocean heat, ocean acidification and sea level rise, the four prime indicators of climate change set new records worldwide and according to the World Meteorological Organization report we are experiencing the warmest weather for the past seven years. This shouldn’t come as a surprise given how decision making authorities continue to deny the climate emergency and the lack of action to make urgent amends. During the recent heatwave conditions which both India and Pakistan experienced when parts of our capital city, New Delhi set a new record as the day temperature climbed to 49 degrees Celsius on 15 May, meanwhile parts of our neighbouring country recorded a high of 51 degrees Celsius. Climate scientists have correlated the present extreme weather conditions with climate change since without that such heat waves would be few and far apart and have hinted at a probability of such spells only getting more intense and frequent in the coming years.
Extreme weather not only wrecks havoc with the environment with floods, drought and heat waves becoming the norm, the ramification on the physical health of humans is more direct and as millions of people suffered tremendous physical discomfort during the recent heat wave the impacts on the countries energy security was also seen as the capacity of India’s power grids came under unprecedented stress leading to an overwhelming power crisis in some cities. This resulted from a record high residential demand alongside traditional power demand of industrial and irrigation pumps which was compounded by the new hybrid work culture where employees alternate between office and home. A few cities also complained of a shortage of coal supply that accounts for 75 percent of the electricity generation, resulting in blackouts.
During this historic heatwave much of the demand for electricity in New Delhi was to meet the ardent need for space cooling of the indoors whether office or home with air conditioners and fans working full-blast and overtime. While they are the most popular and widely used methods of cooling the indoors, for many people it isn’t always a viable option. Apart from taking the high costs of air conditioning into account, one must keep its long-term impact on the environment also in mind and seek alternate space cooling methods that don’t put pressure on the environment or purse.
Some simple yet efficient time-tested methods like use of blinds, shades, insulation and blackout curtains that considerably lower the room temperature during the sunniest periods of the day by blocking out the hot breeze, can be used to give the fans and ACs some rest. Alternately, dampening the curtains with a spray of water will transform hot gust into cool air upon entering the room. A similar effect can be achieved by placing a bowl of ice cubes in front of the fan. To optimize natural ventilation and enhance proper air circulation indoors, throw open windows in early mornings, post sunset and night time. Energy saving compact fluorescent bulbs not only cut utility costs, they also keep the indoors a tad cooler than incandescent bulbs that emit as much as 90 percent of energy as heat energy. Also, regular servicing and maintenance of cooling appliances help them function at maximum efficiency.
A natural and soothing way to further reduce the temperature of your home interiors is by introducing a host of indoor plants. When plants transpire they lose water which in turn cools the air around the plant. Despite the fact that house plants don’t have the dramatic cooling effect trees are known to have on their surrounds, the moisture indoor plants release helps to maintain the humidity of the interiors making it more comfortable during the hot summer season. Some popular plants that cool indoor space include Snake plant, which unlike most plants emits oxygen at night; Boston Fern which is known to be a natural air purifier as well as humidifier; the beautiful evergreen money plant that most homes already have for its beauty and easy propagation and Rubber plant, its large broad leave enhance the amount of moisture released into the air. Palms and ferns do well in low light and are a soothing sight indoors while having a green wall and carpeting roofs with greenery are some creative ways that adds to the cooling effect of a room.
According to an article published by DownToEarth, heat-stroke caused by severe heat stress accounts for the second most cause of deaths in our country that occur from natural forces, most being from lightning. Apart from life-threatening heat-stroke, less severe illness resulting from heat like heat-rash, heat-cramps and heat-exhaustion can be prevented by exercising some basic caution.
Restrict outdoor activities to the cooler part of the day and drink plenty of water and fluids even when not thirsty to maintain healthy water content of the body. Avoid caffeine, tea, soda and alcohol and in case of loss of excess body fluids due to physical exercise, appropriate sports drinks will restore electrolytes and body salts quickly. To stay comfortable, wear light and loose-fitting cotton clothing that allow the skin to breathe easily and expedites proper cooling of the body while use of an umbrella, cap and sunglasses can further shelter you from the direct sun rays.
This summer season might soon be over for us but scientists warn of extreme weather conditions that present an entirely new challenge to human civilization and its consequences on health and call for urgent government measures to build resilience and improve public response to such conditions. In the meantime regional weather forecasts and accurate weather alerts can help citizens to be better prepared, but only widespread action and swift response to tackle the climate crisis will save lives.
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