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In this issue of the Southasiadisasters.net titled “Building Adaptation and Resilience to Heat Waves,” we present the timely need for the mainstream implementation of adaptation strategies against extreme heat, especially in the sprawling urban cities of South Asia. Heat waves are characterised by abnormally high temperatures, particularly in the summer months. They have multiple damaging direct and indirect effects on health, including dehydration, exhaustion, and in more serious cases, death.
Several social groups are more likely to be affected by heat waves, namely women, children, and low-income inhabitants of poorly protected neighborhoods. Despite their vulnerability, at-risk communities have crafted and championed adaptation strategies against heat waves for years. The best learning lessons for heat wave adaptation stem from community experience and expertise.
As the case of the ‘City Coolers’ and the ‘Heat Action Plan’ in Ahmedabad demonstrate, it is crucial for these adaptation strategies to be funded and implemented at the local grass-roots level. Vulnerable groups, especially women, must be included in decision-making and empowered to lead efforts to promote community resilience against heat waves. Furthermore, a data-driven approach coupled with capacity building will strengthen existing research and policy efforts. Through inclusive and collaborative action, heat wave adaptation can become a mainstream reality. g
- Ravi Sadhu, T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA
Download issue: http://www.aidmi.org/publications.aspx