Climate change is turning heatwaves into the deadliest form of extreme weather worldwide. Alarmingly, these intense heat events often strike developing countries – regions already located in hot climates and lacking the resources and infrastructure to cope.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), South Asia is among the most vulnerable regions. In 2024, several countries recorded unprecedented temperatures:

• India: 50°C in certain cities.

• Pakistan: 52°C in Sindh province.

• Philippines: 53°C in Iba.

The combination of extreme heat and high humidity forced many schools to close, while governments issued health warnings and advised residents to stay indoors. Millions of people – especially outdoor workers – faced risks of heatstroke, respiratory problems, dehydration, and even death.

Rising Danger Levels

Currently, around 30% of the global population experiences temperatures and humidity at potentially deadly levels for at least 20 days a year. By the 2030s, the poorest quarter of the global population could be exposed to 12.3 billion person-days of heatwave conditions annually – a figure projected to approach the exposure level of the rest of the world by the 2090s.

Heatwaves and Climate Inequality

Heatwaves both expose and exacerbate social inequalities:

• Economic: Low-income communities suffer more due to inadequate housing, limited access to cooling, and lower resilience.

• Occupational: Outdoor workers (farmers, construction workers, street vendors, waste pickers) are most at risk.

• Healthcare: Limited access to quality medical services increases vulnerability.

• Gender: Women and girls often face greater impacts, losing jobs, income, and shouldering additional caregiving responsibilities.

• Geographic: Cities suffer from the “urban heat island” effect due to concrete and asphalt, while rural areas lack cooling infrastructure.

Solutions for Adaptation

Wealthier nations – responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions – have pledged USD 100 billion per year to help poorer countries adapt, but progress remains slow. Key actions include:

• Reducing emissions to keep global warming below 1.5°C.

• Designing greener cities with more trees, water bodies, and heat-resistant buildings.

• Developing affordable cooling technologies and microgrids for underserved areas.

• Strengthening international cooperation on finance and technology.

A Borderless Crisis

Climate change knows no borders. Even Bhutan – a carbon-negative country – suffers from rapidly melting glaciers that threaten lives and livelihoods. Without urgent and decisive action, record-breaking heat will continue, pushing millions into life-threatening conditions.