Is This the New Normal? Heatwave Ka Season Hai, Tum Ready Ho Na?

Surviving the summer heat is about more than just enjoying ice cream or going to the beach. For many people, it's turning into a fight for survival. As heat waves get worse around the world, one thing is clear: our planet is getting hotter, and we need to take action. Heatwaves are more than just uncomfortable—they're a serious crisis. We need to move beyond just talking about it and start finding real solutions that involve science, history, politics, and our shared responsibility.
Heatwaves aren’t just about sweltering temperatures; they’re becoming a much bigger problem. You’ve probably heard the term during hot summers, but these extreme events are happening more frequently, lasting longer, and getting more intense. In fact, over the past 50 years, the number of heatwaves has doubled worldwide. The experts at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) say that this trend is only going to keep growing.
The impact is serious: heatwaves aren’t just uncomfortable—they bring risks like heatstroke and have wide-ranging effects on the environment, causing droughts, forest fires, and damaging crops. And the people who suffer the most are often the most vulnerable, like the elderly, low-income families, and communities in developing nations.
You might be thinking, "Heatwaves have always been around during summer, so why is this such a big deal now?" The reality is that while heat waves have always occurred, they used to be rare and not nearly as intense. In the past, heatwaves were short and limited to specific areas. But today, due to urban expansion, climate change, and unsustainable practices, they are becoming longer, hotter, and more deadly.
Take the European heatwave of 2003, for example. Temperatures reached dangerous levels across the continent, leading to the deaths of over 70,000 people. That event served as a wake-up call. Even during the time of the Roman Empire, people recognized the dangers of extreme heat—it affected crops, health, and trade. The difference now is that we have the advantage of modern science, technology, and global cooperation to help combat the effects.
Heatwaves are a global issue, affecting people everywhere, but geography can determine who suffers the most. Urban areas, especially cities, tend to be hotter than nearby rural regions due to something called "urban heat islands." This happens because cities are full of materials like asphalt and concrete, and often lack enough green spaces. These factors trap heat, causing city temperatures to be 5 to 10 degrees higher than those in surrounding countryside areas.
In regions like the Middle East, where temperatures often exceed 110°F, or in parts of South Asia where the combination of heat and humidity can be deadly, the impact of heatwaves is even more severe. However, it’s not just faraway places feeling the heat—cities like Los Angeles, New York, and New Delhi are already struggling with extreme summer temperatures.
Even areas that were once known for moderate temperatures are now experiencing record heat. For example, in 2020, even the Arctic Circle saw unusually high temperatures. This unpredictable rise in temperatures is creating new challenges that we’re not fully ready to handle.
Heatwaves aren't just caused by natural factors—they're also the result of political decisions. Governments across the globe have failed to tackle climate change with the urgency it requires. Policies on carbon emissions, clean energy, and environmental protection are still falling short.
Politicians often hesitate to push through the bold, sweeping changes necessary because doing so would challenge powerful economic interests. But this is where we, the people, need to step up. Advocacy, collective action, and voting for leaders who prioritise climate change are key to finding lasting solutions.
The politics of sustainability should focus not only on cutting emissions but also on building the infrastructure needed to cope with extreme heat. It’s not just about saving wildlife; it’s about safeguarding our cities, our food systems, and ultimately, our lives.
So, what can we do about this global issue? How can we not just survive, but thrive in a world with rising temperatures?
Start with small changes. Take a look at your everyday habits—are you using air conditioning inefficiently? Could you add more green spaces to your home or community? Little things like using energy-efficient cooling systems, adding green roofs, or switching to renewable energy can make a big difference.
Cities can be redesigned to be more sustainable. More parks, cooler sidewalks, and better public transport can help reduce urban heat. As individuals, we can push for these changes by joining local government efforts, supporting businesses that are environmentally conscious, and advocating for these issues in our communities.
Tackling heatwaves is a global effort. Whether it’s joining environmental organisations, supporting climate policies, or backing eco-friendly businesses, every action matters. We all have a role to play, and it’s something we can’t ignore.
Finally, we need to invest in systems that protect people from extreme heat. This includes making air conditioning affordable for those who need it, creating shaded public spaces, offering cooling centers during heatwaves, and having emergency response plans for heat-related disasters. Helping vulnerable communities isn’t just about kindness—it’s about ensuring everyone’s survival.

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