Climate change, rising temperatures amplify gender inequality; put women's health at greater risk

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has issued a warning that global temperatures will likely surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius annually between 2026 and 2030, surpassing the current 1.4-degree rise. This shift will intensify extreme heat events, forest fires, droughts, and reduced crop yields, alongside escalating health crises worldwide. In India, extreme heat has become the norm, particularly during the pre-monsoon season. On April 27, 2026, all 50 of the world’s hottest cities were in India, with temperatures averaging 44.7 degrees Celsius. The lowest recorded temperature was 41.9 degrees in Solapur, Maharashtra, while Banda, Uttar Pradesh, reached a high of 46.2 degrees. AQI, which tracks global weather and air pollution, described the event as unprecedented, warning that without urgent action, temperatures in many Indian cities could exceed human tolerance limits by 2050. The Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health has urged the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare climate change a global health emergency, similar to COVID-19. The commission highlights that climate change drives premature deaths through extreme temperatures, vector-borne diseases, and worsening air pollution. The WHO has already recognized climate change as a serious global health issue, but the commission warns that without an emergency declaration, millions of premature deaths will occur annually. Climate change is also extending the pre-monsoon summer season in India, making it significantly hotter than before. Traditionally, April is not the hottest month, but rising temperatures have altered this pattern. Experts emphasize that the current trajectory poses severe public health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, including women and girls, who face disproportionate impacts on livelihoods and health. The global crisis demands a coordinated response, yet no unified plan currently exists. The consequences of inaction will affect health, the economy, food security, water resources, and safety, with long-term repercussions extending far beyond immediate threats. Experts stress that addressing climate change requires urgent, large-scale intervention to mitigate its devastating effects on human health and well-being.