The rapid change in the world for the past few decades has made life easier but at the same time has affected Earth as well. The Blue Planet where we all live has changed rapidly, particularly in climate change which must be a major concern for all living here. Climate change along with global warming is rapidly changing the weather throughout the world and their impact on day-to-day living is now being felt and experienced. Fluctuating temperatures and untimely rainfall including typhoons, floods, earthquakes, etc. are being reported frequently causing damage to lives and property.
Out of several consequences of climate change, one of the major is the heatstroke which is being reported every year. The number of cases and deaths due to heatstroke has increased in the past few decades, questioning whether this is the future. Heatstroke should be a serious concern as it is not only an illness but it is a fatal illness.
What is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke, also known as Sun-stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). It’s usually the result of overexertion in hot, humid conditions.
Some of the symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness, weakness, agitation, behavioral changes, nausea, vomiting etc. Untreated, heatstroke can lead to organ failure, a coma, or death.
What does data indicate?
According to a recent study,
More than 5 million people die each year globally because of excessively hot or cold conditions, a 20-year (2000-2019) study has found – and heat-related deaths are on the rise.
The same study reveals that the highest heat-related excess death rate was in Eastern Europe.
Let us look at the heat-related deaths in the USA which are given below:
| Year | Heat-related deaths |
| 2004 | 297 |
| 2018 | 1008 |
| 2021 | 1600 |
| 2022 | 1714 |
| Source: https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-people-die-from-extreme-heat-in-the-us/ | |
Adults in the age group of 55-64 years were exposed more to heat-related deaths accounting for 20% of the heat-related deaths that occurred between 2018 to 2021 in the USA.
Heatstroke deaths are reported every year and India is no more out of the list. Let us look at some of the data on heatstroke deaths:
| Year | Heatstroke deaths |
| 2015 | 1908 |
| 2016 | 1338 |
| 2017 | 1127 |
| 2018 | 890 |
| 2019 | 1274 |
| 2020 | 530 |
| 2021 | 374 |
| Source: NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) | |
India recorded the highest number of deaths in 2015. For the past few years, the number of deaths has reduced but whether it will continue to reduce in the coming years is questionable considering the rapid climate change in the country.
Let us look at some of the latest cases of Heatstroke in India:
- 82 Heatstroke cases were reported in Maharashtra in 46 days (March 1 to April 15 2024): https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/health-news/maharashtra-heat-wave-82-heat-stroke-cases-recorded-in-past-46-days-buldhana-bears-the-brunt/ar-BB1lK1P7
- 13 people die due to heatstroke in India after attending an award ceremony (April 18, 2023): https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/18/asia/india-heatstroke-deaths-award-ceremony-intl-hnk/index.html
- Karnataka reported over 500 heatstroke cases and 2 deaths in 5 weeks (April 5 2024): https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/no-relief-in-temp-karnataka-reports-over-500-heatstroke-cases-2-deaths-in-5-weeks/articleshow/109049872.cms
- Gujarat seeing 800 cases of dizziness per day due to heatstroke (April 19 2024): https://zeenews.india.com/gujarati/gujarat/big-alert-more-than-800-cases-of-heatstroke-occur-daily-in-gujarat-336913
Matter of concern
Heatstroke must not be ignored as it is fatal. It is a condition when our body cannot cool itself down and hence requires emergency treatment and if not treated, can lead to death. Heat is the most lethal amongst all types of extreme weather and heat exposure is worsening with increased global warming.
Although, exposure to heatstroke can be treated. Treatment is a permanent solution or a temporary one? With rapid deforestation and infrastructure construction, we are causing a natural imbalance on Earth in every aspect. Climate change is the result of these imbalances and heatstroke is the result of climate change.
Human future cannot be secured with a natural imbalance on the Earth which humans must think. Heatstroke is not a sudden addition to the list of lethal illnesses but it is a consequence of our immaturity towards nature and if this persists, our future is not bright.
Share your opinion. Have a nice day!
-Ashish Kumar
Ashish Vision 