**NEW DELHI, June 7:** A recent rapid attribution study by ClimaMeter, an independent group of climate scientists and researchers, reveals that heatwaves experienced in India during May were nearly 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than previously observed. The study attributes this intensity to the combination of the El Nino phenomenon and escalating greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
Analysts at ClimaMeter suggest that the May heatwave’s severity can be linked to the El Nino-induced ocean warming in the central and eastern Pacific, alongside rising levels of carbon dioxide and methane. Their analysis, comparing present (2001–2023) and past (1979–2001) climate conditions, indicates a significant temperature increase in the present climate, particularly in regions experiencing similar heat events.
Davide Faranda of the French National Centre for Scientific Research emphasizes the urgent need to curb CO2 emissions, stating, “There are no technological solutions for adapting Indian metropoles for temperatures approaching 50 degrees Celsius. We should all act now to reduce CO2 emissions and avoid exceeding vital temperature thresholds in large areas of the subtropics.”
Gianmarco Mengaldo of the National University of Singapore highlights the complex relationship between natural variability and climate change, noting the latter’s role in exacerbating heatwaves in tropical and subtropical regions.
The study comes amidst global weather extremes exacerbated by the 2023-24 El Nino and human-induced climate change. May 2024 marked the warmest May on record, with the preceding 12 months also breaking temperature records, according to the European climate agency Copernicus.
In India, Northwest India and parts of the central region faced severe heatwaves in May, challenging the country’s disaster preparedness. The heatwave’s impact extended to voter turnout during the recently concluded general elections, and exacerbated water shortages and reduced hydropower generation.
The intense heat has spiked power demand to record levels, with thousands of suspected heat stroke cases and numerous deaths reported. Health ministry data revealed nearly 25,000 suspected heat stroke cases and 56 deaths from March to May, with May alone recording 46 deaths and over 19,000 suspected cases.
While the data excludes certain states, officials anticipate the final toll to be higher, underscoring the urgent need for climate action and adaptation measures.
