Delhi, Mumbai likely to become 5 degrees Celsius warmer by 2080: Greenpeace

In the same scenario of doubling carbon emissions, Mumbai and Pune will also see 5 degrees Celsius rise in temperature with the maximum temperature increasing by 4.2 degree Celsius.

As per the heatwave assessment by Greenpeace India, the inland cities are at a significantly higher risk of heatwaves. The temperature rise is expected to severely impact cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur and Kolkata, which share similar temperature patterns. However, coastal city Chennai will be 4 degrees C warmer than now on average with the maximum temperature becoming 3.7 degrees C higher.

The drastic increase in temperature will result in unprecedented and prolonged heatwaves, extreme weathers, increased hospitalisations and fatalities along with irreparable damage to agriculture and wildlife. The most vulnerable populations, including the urban poor, outdoor workers, women, children, senior citizens and sexual minorities, will be at a significantly greater risk, as they lack adequate access to protective measures.

“If we do not act now, the threat is only going to increase in frequency, duration and magnitude.” said Avinash Chanchal, Campaign Manager, Greenpeace India.