Environment, Health, and Labor

Economic Impact of Heatwaves

• Gig Workers: Millions of delivery and logistics workers face an "income shock." Unlike salaried employees, logging off to escape peak heat results in immediate loss of earnings.
• Kerala Power Crisis: Record heat drove peak demand above 6,000 MW for the first time. The State imports 70% of its power, and political rows have erupted over the cancellation of long-term supply contracts.

Public Health: Snakebite Challenges

India accounts for nearly half of global snakebites.

• Kerala Case Study: High mortality persists despite available anti-snake venom (ASV).
• Systemic Flaws: A lack of rapid diagnostic kits forces a "syndromic approach," meaning treatment often starts after irreversible tissue damage has occurred.