Almost one-third of the heatwave days India experienced in 2024 were driven by climate change, according to a new report by the medical journal The Lancet.
The report found that India recorded an average of 19.8 heatwave days last year, of which 6.6 days would not have occurred without human-induced climate change.
It also estimated that heat exposure in 2024 resulted in the loss of 247 billion potential labour hours, mostly in the agriculture and construction sectors, amounting to an economic loss of about $194bn (£151bn).
While heatwaves are not new to India, their frequency and intensity have been rising steadily over the past few decades because of global warming.
Prolonged exposure to extreme heat has serious repercussions on health. It can overwhelm the body's ability to regulate temperature, increasing the risk of dehydration, heatstroke, cardiovascular stress, and even death - particularly among the elderly, infants and outdoor workers.
The 2025 Lancet Countdown report warns that the health risks posed by rising global temperatures are now more severe than ever. Throughout last year, 152 record-breaking extreme weather events were registered across 61 countries, the report stated.
The report also mentions India's deteriorating air quality, with significant pollution levels contributing to severe health issues. It highlights the urgent need for action as globally, heat-related mortality has increased by 23% since the 1990s.
