Heatwaves leads to Ozone Pollution

Heatwaves leads to Ozone Pollution

News: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released a report titled 2023 WMO Air Quality and Climate Bulletin.

What is a Heatwave?
• As per the World Meteorological Organization, heatwave is defined as five or more consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature surpasses the average maximum temperature by 5 °C or more. It is a period of prolonged abnormally high surface temperatures relative to those normally expected.

Key Findings:
• Strong connection between heat waves and wildfires - Heatwaves are increasing the severity of wildfires. In 2022, heatwaves in the United States and Europe caused wildfires which combined with desert dust, resulted in hazardous air quality conditions.
• Impact on human health and well-being - Heatwaves worsen air quality, with knock-on effects on human health, ecosystems, agriculture and indeed our daily lives. The increase in ozone levels impacted agriculture globally, with ozone-induced crop losses averaging 4.4 per cent–12.4 per cent for staples. Losses for wheat and soybean were as high as 15 per cent-30 per cent in key agricultural areas of India and China.
• Desert dust - During the second half of August 2022, there was an unusually high intrusion of desert dust over the Mediterranean and Europe.
• Increase in GHG emissions - Heatwaves contribute to additional carbon emissions increasing the concentration of greenhouse gasses(GHG) in the atmosphere.
• Increase in Marine Heatwaves - Climate change is leading to increased intensity and extensive occurrence of current marine heatwaves. Marine heatwaves can develop when ocean temperatures in a specific region are significantly higher than average for an extended period of time.

What are threats posed by extreme heat?
• Prolonged heat exposure causes heat strokes and heat exhaustion and causes various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Heatwaves have an adverse impact on the workers’ productivity and thereby affect the overall economy of India.
• Urban Heat Island effect – Buildings, roads, other infra absorb more heat thereby urban areas are hotter as compared to outlying areas.
• Prolonged heat waves adversely impact agricultural productivity and affect the livestock sector as animals are more vulnerable to heatwaves.

Way Forward
• Heat preparedness action plan
• Reduce urban island heat effect by installing cool and green roofs, plant more trees, measures to ensure evapotranspiration.
• Installing improved EWS that communicate heatwave threats, recommend preventive measures, and predict disaster impact scenarios.
• Taking care of most vulnerable people (Old age, children, laborers, person with comorbidities)
• Following NDMA guidelines for a heat action plan