Extreme heat is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most lethal climate risks, with the evidence pointing to around 500,000 deaths annually. As cooling demand is projected to triple by 2050, the global development challenge is no longer just about expanding air conditioning, but about rethinking how buildings and cities stay cool. Excerpts:How is UNEP currently prioritising India and where do you see the biggest implementation gaps on the ground? We engage primarily at the national level, but increasingly also at state and city levels because climate impacts are felt locally. Awareness around extreme heat and cooling solutions is only now emerging globally, including in India.

Source: Indian Express February 20, 2026 20:05 UTC