Adaptation to heat stress: a qualitative study from Eastern India

• DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ad33d2
• Publication Date: 2024-03-14T22:21:20Z
• Authors: Aditya K Khetan; Shreyas Yakkali; Hem H Dholakia; Vittal Hejjaji
• Keywords: Climate Change Adaptation

Abstract Heat stress adversely impacts a growing proportion of individuals in India. The heat-related lived experiences Indians smaller towns and villages are largely unknown. We conducted seven structured focus group discussions the town Dalkhola, West Bengal, India; with 5–10 participants each group. All conversations were digitally audio recorded, transcribed into Bengali, then translated to English. Two researchers separately performed thematic analysis transcripts identify common themes pertaining ‘effects heat’ ‘coping strategies’ used by participants. A total 56 (mean age 48.9 ± 17.6; female 61%; Scheduled Tribe 9%) participated. There was wide variation individual heat, some people preferring work winter while others preferred summer. Housing characteristics, nature work, gender access water green spaces heavily influenced an individual’s vulnerability heat stress. Trees seen as primary coping strategy for (regardless vulnerability), though many noted loss tree cover their vicinity. Cool drinking from public taps electric fans (particularly table fans) other mechanisms. Many did not have adequate cool or fans, leading increased adverse heat. Based on participant input, several action items identified municipal state/central governments, schools, private organizations. Individuals affected clear preference nature-based solutions. This is contrast current design most plans India, which put more emphasis infrastructure, information dissemination behavioral Various agencies (governments, organizations) seeking adapt increasing need better integrate citizen perspectives plans.