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:
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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%
- 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%