Enhancing Climate Resilience in Jodhpur, India Through A Heat Vulnerability Index

As extreme heat intensifies worldwide, actions to bolster resilience are urgent for health protection. Indian cities and states have taken action over the past decade to develop Heat Action Plans (HAPs) that improve temperature forecast dissemination, interagency coordination, and health sector preparedness. Despite these advances, most HAPs lack focus on protection of heat-vulnerable groups, including children, women, and economically disadvantaged populations. In 2023 the Indian city of Jodhpur launched a HAP that is centered on a ward-level heat vulnerability index (HVI). The HVI characterizes extreme heat exposures based on a comprehensive assessment of heat exposure risks (based on satellite data-derived temperature trends and population density), population sensitivity factors (including urban form, slum dwelling prevalence, gender mix, and literacy rates) and adaptive capacity (including community resources to cope with heat risks such as urban health centers, green spaces, and waterbodies).Through a novel vulnerability analysis, the HAP identifies city wards at high risk of heat-related health harms, enabling targeted deployment of adaptive interventions such as cooling centers, water stations, and cool roof installations. The experience of assembling and utilizing the HVI for Jodhpur’s HAP in the midst of substantial data access, technical capacity, and local governance obstacles offers valuable insight for other heat-prone cities in low- and middle-income countries seeking to enhance preparedness for extreme heat hazards and quantify health and economic benefits of heat-adaptive interventions. Continued strengthening of Jodhpur’s HAP, drawing on collaborative efforts amongst municipal authorities, community stakeholders, and technical experts in climate services, urban planning, emergency response, and healthcare delivery, is vital to secure a safer and more climate-resilient future for city residents.