A common understanding among most people in India is that disasters and accidents are meant for their neighbours and the many unknown people “out there.”No one thinks that calamity may strike them too, for which they need to remain prepared. Climate change has enhanced thefrequency of disasters, and among them, a silent killer is the heatwave, particularly for our country. India is experiencing more frequent, prolonged, and severe heatwaves. These extreme temperatures pose significant risk to public health, infrastructure, and livelihoods, especially in vulnerable regions.

The world warmed to yet another monthly heat record in January, despite an abnormally chilly United States, a cooling La Nina and predictions of a slightly less hot 2025, according to the European climate service Copernicus. The surprising January heat record coincides with a new study by a climate science heavyweight, former top NASA scientist James Hansen, and others arguing that global warming is accelerating. It’s a claim that’s dividing the research community.