Delhi Faces Rising Heat and Pollution Amid Super El Niño
Delhi Faces Rising Heat and Pollution Amid Super El Niño
IN · Published Oct 8, 2026
• Delhi is grappling with the dual challenges of extreme heat and worsening air pollution, which are no longer distant climate concerns but immediate realities. According to Michael Greenstone, a professor at the University of Chicago and co-director of the Climate Impact Lab, the ongoing 'Super El Niño' is expected to result in 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India between September 2026 and February
• Research highlights a strong correlation between extreme heat, particularly temperatures exceeding 32°C, and increased mortality rates. Vulnerable populations, especially in poorer regions, are disproportionately affected due to limited access to protective measures like air conditioning and healthcare. Greenstone describes the current Super El Niño as a 'postcard from the future,' offering a glimpse into the potential frequency of such extreme weather events.

Impact & Risks

The impacts of extreme heat and air pollution are already evident in Delhi, manifesting as increased illness, reduced productivity, and premature deaths. Vulnerable populations, particularly in less affluent areas, face heightened risks due to limited access to resources like cooling systems and healthcare. Greenstone's research indicates that 95% of the damage from additional greenhouse gas emissions will occur outside OECD countries, with India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and sub-Saharan Africa being the most affected. The health and economic costs of these climate challenges are significant, with air pollution contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, further exacerbating public health issues.

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