Worsening climate change culprit behind India’s extreme heat: UN climate chief

New Delhi, May 27: The ongoing extreme heat across large parts of India is primarily driven by worsening climate change caused by the massive burning of coal, oil, and gas, UN climate chief Simon Stiell said on Wednesday.
He also highlighted the severe human and economic impact of the heatwave, particularly on people living in homes without cooling facilities and those working long hours outdoors. “These extremes drive home the importance of measures to adapt to climate impacts, globally,” said Stiell, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in a statement.
His remarks came as the IMD on Wednesday said heatwave to severe heatwave conditions were likely to persist over central and northwest India for the next two to three days.
The soaring temperatures have also led to a record-breaking power demand across the country. Peak power demand touched 257.3 GW on May 18, 260.4 GW on May 19, 265 GW on May 20, and a record 270.8 GW on May 21.
“India has also seen record-breaking peak electricity demand in recent days. Solar and other renewable energy sources have helped in meeting day-time peaks, and India’s strong steps to ramp up solar power have been a benefit,” said Stiell.
He added that the extreme heat underscored the importance of homegrown clean energy and energy-efficiency measures, which could help provide cooling to vulnerable populations. (PTI)