Extreme Heat Worsens, Poor Bear the Brunt

Summary:

Extreme Heat and Its Impact on Lower-Middle Class Populations
The article highlights the worsening extreme heat conditions affecting various parts of the world, particularly in Asia, with significant fatalities reported in India and Thailand. New Delhi alone recorded 52 deaths over two days due to extreme temperatures, predominantly affecting the poor who work and live outdoors. Thailand saw 61 deaths attributed to heat over five months in 2024, surpassing last year’s total.
The global average temperature has risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, with 2023 being the hottest year on record. Indonesia is also experiencing severe heat, with temperatures ranging between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius, significantly impacting the lower-middle class by increasing electricity bills and water consumption.
The article details personal stories, such as that of Dadan, a pedicab driver in Jakarta, who now needs more drinking water to stay hydrated, affecting his uncertain income. Agricultural yields have decreased due to minimal rainfall, forcing people to buy food instead of growing it, which adds to their financial burden.
Experts like Bhima Yudhistira and Muhammad Rifqi Damm highlight the broader economic impacts of extreme heat on agriculture, construction, and labor-intensive industries, emphasizing reduced productivity and increased health costs for the poor.
The situation is similarly dire in developed countries like Australia, where many struggle to pay high electricity bills while trying to cool their homes. A report from the Australian Council of Social Service revealed that 60% of people find it difficult to pay electricity bills, with 80% stating that high temperatures make them unhealthy. The report underscores the dual crises of health and living costs exacerbated by climate change, especially for low-income populations.
The article concludes with a call for better social housing and reliable basic standards to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for broader awareness and action against climate change.