Heat Wave Impact on Children: Addressing Vulnerability and Implementing Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

Heat waves pose a significant threat to public health, particularly to children, who have a limited thermoregulatory capacity. With climate change exacerbating, extreme weather events, heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health issues in children, such as hyperthermia, heat stress, and renal dysfunction. This study employs a mixed-method approach to investigate the challenges faced by school children in Munirka, Delhi, during extreme heat events. Data was collected through student surveys (grades six to twelve), using semi-structured interviews with teachers and school administrators, and policy analysis of government interventions. The study evaluates school preparedness, identifies research gaps, and assesses policy effectiveness to inform decision-makers about necessary interventions. By assessing children's vulnerability to heat waves in Delhi, this research contributes to the broader understanding of how extreme heat impacts child health, education, and well-being, offering recommendations for climate adaptation in educational settings.