Economist Podcasts Degree programme: stopping heat deaths
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Jul 3, 2024 Rachel Dobbs, a climate correspondent for The Economist, dives into the alarming rise of heatwaves and their devastating impact on vulnerable populations. She discusses how extreme temperatures exacerbate inequalities, with marginalized groups bearing the brunt. Dobbs also highlights the critical need for targeted government responses, drawing on successful strategies from France. Additionally, she explores the shifting landscape of international student enrollment, particularly the rising number of Indian students studying abroad, and touches on the cultural shifts in deodorant use.
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Heatwave Inequality
- Heatwave deaths are preventable with proper planning and action.
- Vulnerability to extreme heat is often a function of inequality, impacting the poor, elderly, and homeless disproportionately.
Targeting Heatwave Relief
- Policymakers should prioritize identifying and aiding vulnerable groups during heatwaves.
- Consider factors like living conditions, economic status, and occupation when assessing risk.
Examples of Heatwave Vulnerability
- Indoor temperatures in a Mumbai slum were six degrees hotter than nearby suburban homes.
- Many pilgrims who died on the Hajj were poorer, lacking access to air conditioning and supplies.