Increasing Vulnerability to Moist Heat Extremes in India During Monsoons

Researchers have identified a significant increase in exposure to extreme humid heat conditions during India’s monsoon seasons over the past decades.

Extent of Exposure Increase

• The area exposed to detrimental wet-bulb temperatures exceeding 31°C expanded by approximately 43 million square kilometers.
• This increase affected over 67 crore people across India from 1951 to 2020.

Regional Vulnerabilities

• Regions like the Indo-Gangetic plain and the eastern coast are particularly vulnerable.
• Wet-bulb temperatures exceeding 38°C are prevalent in these areas, directly impacting 37-46 million people.

Impact on Health and Productivity

• Humid and hot conditions during monsoons pose significant challenges to physical labor and public health.
• Long-term exposure can lead to severe health risks and decreased labor productivity.
• Global warming has exacerbated these conditions, increasing the frequency of hot-and-humid days.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:

1. What does the research primarily focus on?
   • A) Winter temperatures in India
   • B) Moist heat extremes during monsoons
   • C) Arctic climate changes
   • D) Global rainfall patterns
   • Answer: B) Moist heat extremes during monsoons
2. How much has the area exposed to wet-bulb temperatures above 31°C increased from 1951 to 2020?
   • A) 10 million square kilometers
   • B) 43 million square kilometers
   • C) 100 million square kilometers
   • D) 20 million square kilometers
   • Answer: B) 43 million square kilometers
3. Which regions in India are most vulnerable to wet-bulb temperatures exceeding 38°C?
   • A) Western Ghats
   • B) Himalayan foothills
   • C) Indo-Gangetic plain and eastern coast
   • D) Deccan Plateau
   • Answer: C) Indo-Gangetic plain and eastern coast
4. What impact can prolonged exposure to humid heat during monsoons have on labor productivity?
   • A) Increase by 10%
   • B) Decrease by 7%
   • C) No impact
   • D) Decrease by 3%
   • Answer: B) Decrease by 7%
5. According to the study, what is the projected decline in work performance in India by the end of the century due to moist heat during monsoons?
   • A) 20-30%
   • B) 40-50%
   • C) 10-20%
   • D) 30-40%
   • Answer: D) 30-40%