๐ฅ Heatwaves and Their Impact on India's Economy๐ฅ
๐ฅ Heatwaves and Their Impact on India's Economy: A Comprehensive Overview ๐ฅ
India is sweltering under a severe heatwave, with
Rajasthan’s Barmer recording this year’s highest temperature at 48.8°C. Experts
warn that the economic repercussions are just as intense as the physical
discomfort. Here’s a look at how heatwaves are affecting India’s economy:
๐ก️ Current Scenario:
- Record Temperatures: Over 16 locations across Punjab,
Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh have reported
temperatures above 45°C.
- Red Alerts: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has
issued red alerts in several northern and northwestern states, including Delhi,
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana, until 28 May.
๐ Economic Impact:
- Productivity Decline: High temperatures reduce workforce
productivity, especially impacting the 45.76% of the workforce in agriculture
and the 83% in the unorganized sector.
- Construction Halts: Extreme heat has led to the suspension
of construction activities, affecting GDP growth.
- GDP Loss: A study by Cambridge University suggests that
extreme heat could reduce outdoor working capacity by 15%, potentially leading
to a 2.8% GDP loss by 2050.
๐พ Agriculture and Inflation:
- Strained Power Grids: Increased demand for electricity is
straining power grids, causing water bodies to dry up and triggering
drought-like conditions.
- Water Shortages: The Central Water Commission reports that
water storage in major reservoirs is at its lowest in five years.
- Inflation Risks: Lower water levels and reduced crop
yields could drive up vegetable prices, exacerbating food inflation.
๐ฅ Health and Infrastructure:
- Health Risks: Heatwaves increase cases of heat exhaustion
and heatstroke, burdening healthcare systems.
- Power Demand: Peak electricity demand is expected to reach
260 GW this summer, with potential power cuts impacting productivity.
๐ผ Business Opportunities:
- Cooling Products: AC and refrigerator manufacturers
anticipate a surge in sales, with projections of over 1.15 crore units sold
this year. This demand is expected to create more jobs in manufacturing,
retail, and after-sales services.
๐ฎ Future Implications:
- Job Losses: By 2030, heat stress could lead to a loss of
34 million jobs in India, accounting for 4.5% of GDP.
- Mitigation Efforts: Experts urge the need for enhanced
heat mitigation and disaster relief measures to manage the escalating impact of
heatwaves.
India must prioritize heat mitigation and implement
effective adaptation measures to safeguard its economy and population. The
current situation underscores the urgent need for action to combat the growing
threat of heatwaves.
๐ #HeatwaveImpact
#IndiaEconomy #ClimateChange #Sustainability #EconomicGrowth
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