HEAT WAVE presented by priya bhojwani..pptx

PRESENTED BY DR.PRIYA

1. HEAT WAVE PTIYA BHOJWANI

2. WHAT IS HEAT WAVE ? A  heat wave  is a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity.

3. KEY POINTS ABOUT HEAT WAVES Duration : To qualify as a heat wave, such a period should last at least one day, but conventionally it lasts from several days to several weeks Temperature : Heat waves are characterized by prolonged abnormally high surface temperatures relative to what is normally expected for the area at that time of year Impact : Heat waves can pose serious health risks. They can lead to heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and even fatalities. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk during extreme heat events

4. CAUSES OF HEAT WAVES High pressure systems Heat domes Urban heat islands Climate change

5. SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION Heat exhaustion  occurs when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.  It’s one of the three heat-related illnesses, with  heat cramps  being the mildest and  heatstroke  being the most serious . Here are the symptoms of heat exhaustion: Cool, Moist Skin Heavy Sweating Faintness and Dizziness Fatigue Rapid Pulse Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing Muscle Cramps Nausea and Headache

6. EFFECTS OF HEAT WAVES HEALTH Heat exhaustion Heat stroke Cardio vascular strain ENVIRONMENT Drought Wildfires Crop damage INFRASTRUCTURE Power outages Transportation disruptions Building damage

7. VULNERABLE OPTIONS Older adults Young children People with preexisting medical conditions Outdoor workers Low income communities

8. ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS   Heatwaves , without concomitant increases in precipitation, can lead to water shortages and increased stress for plants, particularly in arid regions.  This has the effect of reducing plant growth, the basis of energy production and the food chain, with an overall drying-out of the landscape.  Heatwaves can also dry up shallow aquatic ecosystems and accelerate glacier melt

9. ECONOMIC IMPACTS - Reduced productivity and work hours Increased healthcare costs Damage to infrastructure and property Losses in agriculture and forestry- Impacts on tourism and recreation

10. SOCIAL IMPACTS Increased stress and anxiety Changes in daily routines and behaviors Impacts on mental health Strains on social relationships and community cohesion- Increased risk of heat-related illnesses in vulnerable populations

11. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Changes in air quality and pollution Increased risk of water scarcity and drought Impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems Increased risk of wildfires and other natural disasters- Changes in weather patterns and climate variability

12. PATHWAYS FORWARD TO SUSTAINABILITY The most effective way to avoid the negative impacts of heatwaves is to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and minimize the rise in global mean temperatures. In particular, shifts towards cleaner energies will not only reduce GHG emissions, but will also reduce localized air pollution and heat island effects within cities.  Secondly, new initiatives to create early warning and response systems  and improved communication approaches  can help to save lives and build resilience to heatwaves . Thirdly during a heatwave , decision-makers can employ a range of strategies and policies to modify social behaviour and reduce exposure to heat by closing schools or offices which lack adequate air conditioning, ensuring availability of water, health care and first aid, and extending access to pools, parks and public cooling centers. Finally, improved urban design and sustainable planning that increases the amount of and access to green space and other cool environments (pools, air-conditioned spaces) and encourages white roofs, will play an important role in avoiding heat-related illness, in reducing surface temperatures, and in providing a wealth of other nature-related benefits

13. ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE Developing heat wave early warning systems Implementing cooling technologies and infrastructure Promoting heat wave awareness and education Encouraging sustainable urban planning and design Building climate resilience in vulnerable communities

14. PREVENTION Stay hydrated Stay indoors during peak heat Use cooling centers Check on vulnerable neighbors Plan ahead for extreme heat Know when to stop activity Wear suncreen