Extreme heatwaves have become more frequent and intense across South and Southeast Asia, North America, and Southeastern Europe since April 2024. These heatwaves have led to school shutdowns, wildfire risks, and adverse impacts on the workforce in various sectors. As heatwaves continue to threaten labor productivity, agricultural output, health, and even lives, understanding their unprecedented nature is crucial for public safety. Join us for “Heatwaves 101,” a comprehensive Two-part series that will delve into the science of extreme heat and understanding its impact.
Part 1: The Science of Extreme Heat
In this first panel of the two-part series, we will discuss the science around extreme heat, including methodologies of predicting heatwaves, the impact of extreme heat on health, and the scope and limitations of Heat Action Plans of India.
Date: Thursday, July 18, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm IST / 8:30 am EST
Location: Online on Zoom
Panelists:
• Aditya Pillai, Fellow, Sustainable Futures Collaborative
• Akhil Srivastava, Scientist, India Meteorological Department
• Ronita Bardhan, Associate Professor of Sustainable Built Environment, University of Cambridge and Director – Cambridge Sustainable Design Group
Session Moderator:
Satchit Balsari, Associate Professor in Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Mittal Institute Climate Platform, Harvard University
Part 2: Understanding the Impact of Extreme Heat
In the second panel we will look at the impact of heat stress on-the-ground in the South Asian region, particularly on workers in the informal economy. We will also discuss existing and proposed responses to extreme heat for the protection of workers.
Date: Thursday, July 25, 2024
Time: 6:00 pm IST / 8:30 am EST
Location: Online on Zoom
Panelists:
• Kathy Baughman McLeod, CEO, Climate Resilience for All
• Robert D Meade, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• Vidhya Venugopal, Country Director, NIHR EC-NCD, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
Session Moderator:
Satchit Balsari, Associate Professor in Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Mittal Institute Climate Platform, Harvard University