• The UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2025, titled "Rising Heat, Rising Risk," warns that extreme heat has become the region''s fastest-growing climate hazard, threatening development gains and putting millions at risk. The report was launched at the Ninth Session of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangkok, held from November 26-28, 2025
• The UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2025 warns that Asian megacities—Delhi, Karachi, Dhaka, Manila, Shanghai, Seoul could face 2–7°C extra heat due to the urban heat island effect, pushing temperatures far beyond global warming averages.

The Key Findings in UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Disaster Report 2025:

1. Urban Heat Amplification (UHI Effect):

• Even if global warming stabilises at 1.5–2°C, cities may heat by +7°C due to dense concrete, limited green cover, and high waste heat from vehicles and ACs.
• Megacities like Delhi, Karachi, Dhaka are projected to experience high localised heat stress far beyond rural surroundings.

2. Chronic Heat Exposure in South Asia:

• India, Pakistan, Bangladesh: 300+ days with heat index >35°C; over 200 days above 41°C in several regions.
• Heat index includes humidity, making it a better indicator of felt temperature.

3. Rapid Rise in Extreme Heat Events:

• 2024 was the hottest year on record, with Bangladesh’s April–May heatwave affecting 33 million people.
• India’s long heatwave in 2024 caused approx. 700 deaths, the second deadliest event in the region.

4. Population Exposure Trends:

• Over 40% of South Asia’s population will face heat index >35°C and 41°C in both medium- and long-term scenarios.
• Exposure will worsen regardless of climate policy due to continued urbanisation.

5. Compounding Threat: Heat + Pollution

• High heat intensifies wildfires, droughts, PM10/5 load, and releases VOCs.
• Heat and pollution amplify cardiovascular and respiratory risks in a dangerous feedback loop.

6. Sectoral and Economic Impacts:

• Heat-related working-hour losses in Asia projected to rise from 75 million to 8.1 million full-time job equivalents by 2030.
• Annual climate-related economic loss may rise to $498 billion under high-emissions scenarios.

Why South Asia Is Most at Risk?

• High Humidity + High Temperature: Humid conditions amplify “felt heat,” pushing heat index above 35–41°C for 300+ days a year.
• Dense Urbanisation: Fast-growing megacities like Delhi, Dhaka and Karachi trap heat through concrete, vehicles and limited green cover.
• Large Outdoor Workforce: Millions rely on labour-intensive sectors—agriculture, construction—where exposure to heat is unavoidable.
• Low Adaptation Capacity: Limited access to cooling, reliable electricity, clean water and heat shelters heightens vulnerability.
• High Population Density: Even moderate heatwaves impact tens of millions due to crowded settlements and poor housing.
• Poverty & Inequality: Heat amplifies socio-economic disadvantages, making the poor disproportionately exposed and unprotected.

Challenges in Reducing Heat Risk:

• Weak Heat Action Plans: Many state and city heat plans lack funding, scientific grounding and legal backing for enforcement.
• Poor Urban Planning: Concrete-dominated cities leave little room for trees, ventilation corridors or blue-green infrastructure.
• Digital & Monitoring Gaps: Only half of global meteorological systems issue heat warnings; localised forecasts remain limited.
• Insufficient Healthcare Systems: Heat emergency units, hydration centres and rapid-response teams are inadequate in many districts.
• Labour Protection Weakness: Outdoor workers lack mandatory shade breaks, adjusted hours, or employer accountability during heatwaves.
• Electricity & Water Stress: Power outages and water shortages increase risk when cooling becomes essential for survival.

Way Forward:

• National Heat-Health Warning Network: Ensure district-level forecasts, heat alerts, and last-mile communication in local languages.
• Heat-Sensitive Urban Design: Promote cool roofs, reflective surfaces, urban forests, shaded corridors and permeable pavements.
• Protect Workers Legally: Mandate heat safety protocols—rest breaks, water access, shift changes—during extreme heat days.
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Adopt heat-tolerant crop varieties, micro-irrigation, agroforestry and weather-indexed insurance.
• Strengthen Local Health Systems: Establish cooling shelters, mobile clinics, hydration kiosks, and emergency heat-response teams.
• Expand Social Safety Nets: Provide subsidised cooling appliances, water access, and targeted support for vulnerable households

Conclusion:

• Extreme heat is emerging as the fastest-growing climate threat in Asia, with South Asia at the epicentre due to its demographic, ecological and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Without urgent adaptation measures—urban redesign, labour protection, and robust warning systems - heatwaves will become chronic humanitarian crises. A proactive, science-driven, equity-focused strategy is essential to protect lives, livelihoods and long-term climate resilience.