Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Mumbai Climate Week: WHO Launches Health Initiatives To Prevent Heat Impact, Deaths In South Asia

Amid changing climatic conditions that are soaring temperatures and leading to over 200,000 deaths annually in South Asia, the <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO) today announced two <span>health</span> initiatives that will prevent the impacts of extreme heat and save lives in the region.

Extreme heat in South Asia, including in India, is rapidly threatening human health and can potentially also cause economic instability in the subcontinent.

The two initiatives -- the South Asia Climate–Health Desk and the South Asia Scientific Research Consortium -- were announced at the ongoing <span>Mumbai Climate Week</span> in collaboration with several global and regional partners. 

The initiatives, with an investment of $11.5 million by the <span>Rockefeller Foundation</span> and Wellcome, aim to connect climate science to health action to prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses.

“Few regions feel the impacts of extreme heat as sharply as South Asia, and I welcome the clear determination to respond. We all know that every death primarily due to excess heat can be prevented, and heat health action plans are saving lives,” said Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General at the <span>World Meteorological Organization</span> (WMO) Climate and Health Joint Programme.

“By uniting science, government leadership and support, and community action, countries here are proving that this challenge can be met,” Saulo added. 

<h2>What Are The 2 Health Initiatives?</h2>

The South Asia Climate–Health Desk, implemented with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), India Meteorological Department (IMD), aims to improve how climate and weather information is translated into action to protect health.

It is one of the first units under the joint program to embrace research and development and operational domains in climate and health, and will also help develop more robust decision support tools, such as early warning and risk assessments. 

The South Asia Scientific Research Consortium, under the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, is expected to deepen the region’s scientific understanding of how heat affects different populations.

By developing tailored heat‑risk thresholds, this consortium aims to ultimately strengthen heat action planning, early warning systems, and preparedness efforts, helping communities and institutions better adapt to rising temperatures. 

<h2>The Risks Of A Warming South Asia </h2>

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent global action to address the growing risk of extreme heat worldwide, which takes a heavy toll on health in South Asia – the world’s most populous region. 

According to WMO, Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, intensifying extreme weather and placing growing pressure on lives and livelihoods, health systems, economies, and ecosystems across the region, putting the most vulnerable and exposed communities at critical risk. 

In India, pre-monsoon temperatures regularly rise above 50 degrees Celsius, with heat-related mortality exceeding 200,000 deaths per year. 

Extreme heat also undermines economic stability and productivity. 

In 2024 alone, heat exposure in India led to 247 billion potential labor hours lost. The Lancet Countdown reported that the reduced labor capacity led to an estimated $194 billion loss in income.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Mumbai Climate Week

heatwave

climate change

South Asia Climate

Rockefeller Foundation

world health organization

World Meteorological Organization

US NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya To Run CDC Temporarily

Ramadan Fasting: Avoid Excess Salt And Caffeine To Boost Kidney, Prostate Health, Say Experts

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Amid changing climatic conditions that are soaring temperatures and leading to over 200,000 deaths annually in South Asia, the World Health Organization (WHO) today announced two health initiatives that will prevent the impacts of extreme heat and save lives in the region. Extreme heat in South Asia, including in India, is rapidly threatening human health and can potentially also cause economic instability in the subcontinent.The two initiatives -- the South Asia Climate–Health Desk and the South Asia Scientific Research Consortium -- were announced at the ongoing Mumbai Climate Week in collaboration with several global and regional partners.  The initiatives, with an investment of $11.5 million by the Rockefeller Foundation and Wellcome, aim to connect climate science to health action to prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses. “Few regions feel the impacts of extreme heat as sharply as South Asia, and I welcome the clear determination to respond. We all know that every death primarily due to excess heat can be prevented, and heat health action plans are saving lives,” said Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Climate and Health Joint Programme. “By uniting science, government leadership and support, and community action, countries here are proving that this challenge can be met,” Saulo added. What Are The 2 Health Initiatives?The South Asia Climate–Health Desk, implemented with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), India Meteorological Department (IMD), aims to improve how climate and weather information is translated into action to protect health. It is one of the first units under the joint program to embrace research and development and operational domains in climate and health, and will also help develop more robust decision support tools, such as early warning and risk assessments. The South Asia Scientific Research Consortium, under the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune, is expected to deepen the region’s scientific understanding of how heat affects different populations. By developing tailored heat‑risk thresholds, this consortium aims to ultimately strengthen heat action planning, early warning systems, and preparedness efforts, helping communities and institutions better adapt to rising temperatures. The Risks Of A Warming South Asia  UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for urgent global action to address the growing risk of extreme heat worldwide, which takes a heavy toll on health in South Asia – the world’s most populous region.  According to WMO, Asia is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, intensifying extreme weather and placing growing pressure on lives and livelihoods, health systems, economies, and ecosystems across the region, putting the most vulnerable and exposed communities at critical risk.  In India, pre-monsoon temperatures regularly rise above 50 degrees Celsius, with heat-related mortality exceeding 200,000 deaths per year. Extreme heat also undermines economic stability and productivity. In 2024 alone, heat exposure in India led to 247 billion potential labor hours lost. The Lancet Countdown reported that the reduced labor capacity led to an estimated $194 billion loss in income.

mumbai climate week: who launches health initiatives to prevent heat impact, deaths in south asia

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Mumbai Climate Week: WHO Launches Health Initiatives To Prevent Heat Impact, Deaths In South Asia

1 in 7 Stroke Patients In India Are Under 45; Hypertension Leads Risk Factors: ICMR Study

US NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya To Run CDC Temporarily

Quebec Hospitals Found To Be In Far Worse Shape Than Reported

Health Conditions A-Z

US NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya To Run CDC Temporarily

Mumbai Climate Week: WHO Launches Health Initiatives To Prevent Heat Impact, Deaths In South Asia

Ramadan Fasting: Avoid Excess Salt And Caffeine To Boost Kidney, Prostate Health, Say Experts