Health vulnerability to heat stress in rural communities of the semi-arid regions of Maharashtra, India
Summer temperatures in India have been rising over the last few decades, resulting in increased heat-related mortalities. Future climate projections for India indicate that heat waves will likely be more intense, have longer durations, and occur more often and earlier in the year. It is only in recent years that heat action plans have been prepared in India. However, there is little evidence of the heat stress experience, impact of heat exposure, and adaptation measures to heat and heat waves in the rural context.
A new policy brief, by the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) highlights the varied risks and responses to heat stress among the different social categories in the rural communities in the semi-arid region of Maharashtra, thereby identifying the vulnerable groups as well as the important factors that affect vulnerability to heat stress.
