In Ahmedabad, India, a novel approach is being used to combat the dangers of extreme heat: equipping vulnerable residents with smartwatches. As heatwaves intensify and temperatures soar, this initiative aims to provide crucial data and potential solutions for mitigating the health impacts on at-risk communities.
Ahmedabad has been proactive in addressing the challenges of rising temperatures. Following a devastating heatwave in 2010 that resulted in nearly 1,300 excess deaths, the city was among the first in South Asia to implement a heat action plan. However, with climate change exacerbating the problem and temperatures routinely exceeding 40°C (104°F) earlier in the season, more innovative and data-driven strategies are needed.
The smartwatch project is part of a year-long global study conducted in four countries to investigate how heat affects vulnerable populations. In Vanzara Vas, a low-income neighborhood in Ahmedabad, 204 residents have been given wristwatch-style health monitors. These devices measure heart rate, pulse, and track sleep patterns, providing researchers with valuable insights into the physiological effects of heat stress. Participants also receive weekly blood pressure checks. Priya Bhavsar, from the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, explained that the watches help assess how heat impacts heart rate, sleep quality, and physical activity over time.
In conjunction with the smartwatches, researchers are also testing the effectiveness of "cool roofs" in reducing indoor temperatures. Reflective paint has been applied to some roofs in Vanzara Vas to deflect the sun's rays and lower indoor heat. Indoor heat sensors are being used to compare these homes with those without cool roofs, helping researchers determine how much these roofs can aid poor households in coping with India's scorching summers. Sapnaben Chunara, a resident participating in the study, expressed optimism that the project would benefit her community, saying that if the project goes well, it will be good for our community.
The need for such interventions is underscored by the fact that many residents of Vanzara Vas spend their days outdoors because their tin-roofed homes are even hotter. Indoor temperatures can be significantly higher than outdoor temperatures, creating dangerous living conditions. Chunara noted that she loses 10 to 15 workdays due to heat-related illness. This loss of income further exacerbates the challenges faced by these vulnerable communities.
The data collected from the smartwatches and indoor sensors will be crucial in informing scalable adaptation solutions. If cool roofs prove effective in reducing indoor heat and improving health outcomes, researchers plan to expand their application across Ahmedabad and advocate for their adoption globally. The goal is to provide a replicable, low-cost method to reduce health risks associated with extreme heat, particularly for the over 1.1 billion people living in informal settlements worldwide.
However, experts emphasize that Heat Action Plans need to incorporate long-term strategies, such as urban planning initiatives, use of heat-resistant building materials, and implementation of cool roofing technologies. Furthermore, efforts to combat climate change should focus on adaptation and managing responses to heat. A comprehensive national heat strategy embedded within India's National Adaptation Plan is essential.
