Extreme heat, gender, and access to preparedness measures: An analysis of the heatwave early warning system in Ahmedabad, India

Abstract

Heatwaves are predicted to become more intense worldwide, posing a serious threat to health and development, and necessitating adaptation, such as the development of early warning systems (EWS). India is particularly exposed, with recent heatwaves demonstrating significant vulnerabilities. This research examines the case of Ahmedabad, India, which created South Asia's first Heat Action Plan (HAP) in 2013. Ahmedabad's HAP provides a framework for the implementation, coordination, and evaluation of heat response strategies, including an EWS. Specifically, this paper investigates access to heat EWS for female outdoor labourers and the impact of gender on social vulnerability to heatwaves. Structured interviews were conducted with female outdoor labourers in Ahmedabad to evaluate their social vulnerability to heat, access to EWS, and capacity to cope. The results show that access to heat EWS in Ahmedabad is influenced by the interaction of gender with other determinants of social vulnerability such as occupation, income, and education. Illiteracy and low phone ownership contribute to asymmetrical heat warning access. This is partially corrected for by verbal warning dissemination and community engagement, demonstrating the value of people-centred EWS approaches. Yet, the role of income in limiting female outdoor labourers' capacity to cope and forcing this group to work during heatwaves is overlooked. Ahmedabad's HAP highlights the importance of targeting vulnerable groups, however it is worth investigating further how gender may contribute to heat vulnerability. Greater understanding of the drivers of heat vulnerability is critical to designing an inclusive and effective people-centred heat EWS, in India and elsewhere.

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