- According to the Lancet Countdown Report 2019 on Health and Climate Change, Climate change in India may further increase malnutrition levels and exacerbate infections caused due to cholera.
- The report states that the average yield potential of maize and rice declined almost 2 per cent in India since the 1960s.
- The average yield potential for both soybean and winter wheat has declined by over 1 per cent.
Diseases
- Increased sea surface temperature may cause a spike in various infections in India — cholera, gasteroentitis, wound infections and several others.
- Mortality due to vector-borne disease like dengue will also rise.
- Pollution and heat stress may affect the productivity of Indian workers.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measurement
- WBGT is a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight and includes temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation).
- Increased WBGT will result in reduced labour productivity around the globe.
- Elderly will be more affected due to heat waves.
Wildfires
- The report states that 21 million Indians were exposed to wildfires.
- It is highest among 152 countries.