What happened?
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P. K. Mishra, called for coordinated international action on extreme heat risk during a keynote address at the Special Session on Extreme Heat Risk Governance hosted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Geneva. Dr. Mishra described extreme heat as a “global crisis” and emphasized the need for global collaboration on early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, and equity-focused interventions. He detailed India’s proactive approach, including comprehensive national guidelines for heatwave management issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) since 2016, leading to over 250 cities and districts operating localized Heat Action Plans (HAPs). He also announced that National and State Disaster Mitigation Funds can now be used for heatwave mitigation.
Why it matters to India
India’s call for global action on extreme heat risk highlights its leadership in addressing critical climate challenges, especially as densely populated urban areas face systemic threats from rising temperatures. By sharing its experience in proactive heat risk management, including successful models like the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan, India demonstrates its commitment to global cooperation and resilience-building. The policy shift allowing mitigation funds for heatwaves and advocating for equitable adaptation measures underscores India’s focus on protecting vulnerable populations and fostering community-driven solutions.