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The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures

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Q. The World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places where wet-bulb temperatures routinely exceed 35 °C. Which of the following statements best reflect(s) the implication of the above-said report?

I. Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts.
II. The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) I only      (b) II only
(c) Both I and II      (d) Neither I nor II

74. विश्व बैंक ने यह चेतावनी दी है कि भारत ऐसे प्रथम स्थानों में से एक बन सकता है, जहाँ आर्द्र-बल्ब तापमान (Wet-Bulb Temperature) नियमित रूप से 35°C से अधिक होगा। निम्नलिखित कथनों में से कौन-सा/कौन-से उपर्युक्त रिपोर्ट के निहितार्थ को सर्वोत्तम रूप में प्रतिबिम्बित करता है/करते हैं?

I. सर्वाधिक संभावना है कि प्रायद्वीपीय भारत बाढ़, उष्णकटिबंधीय चक्रवात और सूखे से ग्रस्त होता रहेगा।
II. मानव समेत सभी प्राणियों की उत्तरजीविता प्रभावित होगी क्योंकि उनके लिए पसीने के माध्यम से अपने शरीर के ताप को निकालना मुश्किल होता जाएगा।

नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए।

(a) केवल I
(b) केवल II
(c) I और II दोनों
(d) न तो I और न ही II

Answer: (b) II only

Explanation:

  • Statement I is not correct: Although climate change may increase extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones, and droughts in Peninsular India, this is not the direct implication of wet-bulb temperatures exceeding 35°C.
  • Wet-bulb temperature specifically measures the combined effect of heat and humidity on the human body and its ability to cool itself through perspiration.
  • Statement II is correct: At wet-bulb temperatures above 35°C, the human body loses its ability to effectively cool itself through sweating.
  • Prolonged exposure to such conditions can become life-threatening for humans and animals because body heat cannot be released efficiently.
  • The World Bank report highlighted the severe health and survival risks associated with extreme heat stress under high-emission climate scenarios.

Source:
Economic Times – Heat Waves and Human Survival

World Bank Report on India's Cooling Sector