Climate Change Impacts: India's 2025 Summer Under the Microscope
Twenty years ago, the weather in Coimbatore, India, changed from the cold of winter to the dry onset of summer, bringing with it frequent illnesses such as the flu. March marked the beginning of a hectic period, with exams underway as summer temperatures began to rise. Evenings would sometimes surprise everyone with brief mango showers, providing a refreshing coolness after a hot day.
Fast forward to the present, both adults and children are under tremendous pressure. Today's adults navigate a complex landscape filled with economic strain, societal expectations, health concerns, and the pervasive influence of social media, alongside environmental anxieties. School-aged children, too, face unique challenges, including intense academic pressure, complex social dynamics, the digital age, and the emotional and mental health demands that accompany a rapidly changing world.
Among the various pressures mentioned, this article focuses specifically on the environmental stress everyone must contend with. With summer approaching, 2025 is projected to be one of the three warmest years for the global average temperature, following closely behind 2024 and 2023 ¹. The World Meteorological Organisation has also issued warnings of record-high temperatures this year.
The climate operates as a complex system, comprising numerous interrelated components, including the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, and living organisms, both human and non-human. Changes within one of these components can directly or indirectly impact the others. For instance, an increase in greenhouse gases leads to rising temperatures, which subsequently alters ocean currents and accelerates ice melting, further disrupting weather patterns and ecosystems globally.
This intricate nature of the climate makes it challenging to predict how different components will respond to various changes. In 2025, India is expected to experience soaring temperatures due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations and global warming. The PRECIS regional climate model suggests that the maximum temperature in Tamil Nadu could rise by approximately 3.1 degrees Celsius. In particular, the western region may experience an increase of around 3.3 to 3.5 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to rise by about 3.5 degrees Celsius ². The intensity and frequency of extreme events, such as heatwaves, will likely rise, posing risks to human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Within this complex climate system, feedback loops are at work, capable of either amplifying or mitigating the effects of climate change, while accelerating the warming process that contributes to extreme temperature events. Additionally, as the global average temperature rises, regional variations will significantly influence specific areas. Factors such as ocean currents, land surface features, and local weather patterns will impact temperature extremes in particular regions. The heightened temperatures anticipated in the summer of 2025 could reflect these ongoing changes, underscoring the urgent need for concerted climate action to mitigate forthcoming heat waves and extreme weather events.
To address the expected extreme summer heat in India in 2025, key measures should include implementing heat action plans, enhancing weather alert systems, promoting urban green spaces, utilizing cool roofing technologies, educating the public on heat safety practices, improving access to cooling centres, and tackling water scarcity through irrigation systems and water conservation efforts. All of this should occur alongside efforts to adapt infrastructure to climate change and promote sustainable practices to lessen future heat waves.
There is also a pressing need for comprehensive climate change policies at the state level. One such initiative is the creation of Ecology clubs in schools in Tamil Nadu announced by the Chief Minister during the T.N. Climate Summit 3.0 ³. By engaging students in ecological activities, the government aims to build resilience against climate-related challenges and promote sustainable practices like tree planting. Ecology clubs intend to provide specialized training for officials across various departments affected by climate change, particularly those involved in agriculture and water resources. This multifaceted approach is designed not only to educate students but also to empower them to influence their families and communities regarding environmental issues.
At the community and government levels, some actions that can be taken are as follows ⁴:
Develop and implement comprehensive heatwave response plans with early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and designated cooling centres in public spaces like community halls, schools, and hospitals.
Increase green spaces like parks and trees to reduce the urban heat island effect through urban planning strategies.
Promote the use of cool roofing materials, reflective paints, and proper insulation to reduce heat absorption in buildings through Building design improvements.
Bring in effective water management and implement water conservation measures, improve access to clean drinking water, and address water scarcity issues through irrigation systems
Educate the public about heatwave risks, early warning signs of heatstroke, and appropriate coping mechanisms through Public awareness campaigns.
Improve weather forecasting and disseminate timely heatwave alerts to vulnerable communities through Early warning systems.
Promote drought-resistant crops and sustainable farming practices to adapt to changing weather patterns through Climate resilient agriculture.
It is not only the role of the government to take measures but several actions can be taken at various levels. At the individual level, some measures that can be taken during the upcoming summer are as follows ⁴:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, electrolyte beverages, and traditional cooling drinks like lassi or buttermilk throughout the day.
Stay indoors during peak heat hours: Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, especially between noon and 3 PM.
Wear loose, light-coloured clothing: Opt for breathable fabrics and cover exposed skin.
Employ cool-down methods: Take cool showers or baths, use fans, and apply damp cloths to your skin.
Despite the significant challenges we face, the proposed strategies—including government policies, community initiatives, and personal adaptations—provide a valuable pathway for building resilience and promoting a sustainable future. It is crucial for us to take action now, both individually and collectively, to tackle the looming heat and strive for a cooler, healthier future for generations to come.
REFERENCES:
Heat wave, flood, landslide: Is extreme weather becoming a major challenge for Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu to set up eco clubs in all schools to advance climate education
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