Linking Climate Parameters to Human Health and Workability: in Kolkata

Transcription

1 Linking Climate Parameters to Human Health and Workability: in Kolkata Joyashree Roy, Professor of Economics Anwesha Chakrabarty Kuheli Mukhopadhyay Shalini Mitra Global Change Programme- Jadavpur University, Kolkata SDPI, 2012 (Research funded under NATCOM II of MOEF-GOI and Travel Funded by SANDEE-SDPI)

2 Humid and hot coastal settlements experience high levels of heat stress This is exacerbated in highly urbanized places Global Change Programme-Jadavpur University

3 Projected impact of climate change (IPCC 2007) Phenomenon and direction of trend Warm spells/heat waves. Frequency increases over most land areas Likelihood of future trends based on projections Human health for 21st century using SRES scenarios Increased risk of heat-related mortality, especially for the Very likely elderly, chronically sick, very young and sociallyisolated Examples of major projected impacts by sector Global Change Programme-Jadavpur University Industry, settlement and society Reduction in quality of life for people in warm areas without appropriate housing; impacts on the elderly, very young and poor

4 Health impacts of Heat Stress Disorder Cause seriousness Heat rash Heat buildup in the skin due to clogged pores and sweat ducts. Prolonged skin wetness from sweating. Relatively minor. Radiation burns UV radiation absorbed by the skin. Minor to relatively serious. Transient heat fatigue Loss of fluid reduces circulatory No long-term adverse effects. efficiency. Heat Syncope the body s circulation system allows Takes a victim a day or two to blood to pool in the lower extremities recover. causing insufficient blood, and oxygen in the brain Global Change Programme-Jadavpur University

5 Health impacts of Heat Stress Disorder Cause seriousness Heat Cramps Loss of important electrolytes in the blood and muscle tissues due to excessive amounts of salts being lost in the victim s sweat. May debilitate the victim for several days. Heat Exhaustion Depressed condition of the circulatory system due to a lack of adequate fluid replacement (dehydration). Victims may require several days or even weeks to recover Heat Stroke* The body s temperature regulation mechanism fails and sweating stops. Medical emergency Global Change Programme-Jadavpur University

6 Heat Stress Measured by WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index WBGT index considers the effect of - temperature ( C) - relative humidity (%) - solar radiation - air motion - type of clothing - type of work Heat Stress Monitor takes readings from, and calculates WGBT by: -Dry Bulb Thermometer -Wet Bulb Thermometer -Globe Temperature In absence of this monitor we used an online calculator to compute the WBGT index ( alculator.htm) WBGT monitor

7 WBGT Formulae For indoor or shaded environments: WBGT = 0.7 x T nwb x T g T nwb = natural wet-bulb temperature T g = globe temperature For direct sunlight exposure: WBGT = 0.7 x T nwb x T g x T db T db = dry-bulb temperature

8 WBGT Health risk levels

9 WBGT Threshold limit values ( C) (ACGIH 1996)

10 Heat Stress & Workability Based on WBGT index we generate a concept of workability/ productivity zones. The green zone shows alternative combination of temperature and humidity that allows 100% workability. Workability declines along the arrow. Declining Productivity

11 Coastal Megacity-Kolkata Temperature trend : above average ( ) 0.1 C increase in day time temperature per decade for Kolkata. Global Surface Temperature has risen by C during the 20 th century. In India mean temperature has risen by C per decade from Global Change Programme-Jadavpur University

12 Humidity Trend AAA April 17, 18 May 9, 10

13 Coastal Megacity-Kolkata Low adaptive capacity Kolkata has a population density of 23.9 thousand per sq. km (world rank 2). One third of Kolkata s population live in slum areas 20% do not have access to organized water supply Outdoor activity as a major source of livelihood which involves as high as 50% population of Kolkata Global Change Programme-Jadavpur University

14 GCP-JU

15 GCP-JU

16 3. Indoor workspace to all 2. Provide shades to outdoor workers GCP-JU I. Change in clothing type

17 (0,0) is the point of inaction Costs of Adaptation

18 Adaptation: Issues of concern Public/Private health Issue? Labour rules/laws: same compensation for less work? Less productivity with same labour? More health cost-insurance, medical compensation Dress-code Working hour Work rest combination Work place and health and safety Work place design WBGT monitoring Global Change Programme-Jadavpur University