The reality of living with extreme heat in India
Summary
Science Friday host Flora Lichtman interviews Dr. Gulrez Azhar about the severe health impacts of extreme heat waves in India. Dr. Azhar discusses the lack of air conditioning, incomplete death data, and how women in slums are disproportionately affected by heat. He highlights successful heat action plans in Ahmedabad and emphasizes that simple behavioral changes and awareness can significantly reduce heat-related illnesses.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and podcast introductions
Introduction to extreme heat in India
Dr. Azhar's background and early observations
Human limits and lack of AC access
Challenges in tracking heat-related deaths
Accountability and interventions in Ahmedabad
Myths about gender and heat vulnerability
Human resilience and simple solutions
Global risks and concluding thoughts
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