Climate justice must centre on social inequality, say experts

Conversations on climate justice must necessarily include questions of social justice, experts said at a webinar organised by the Climate Change Media Hub of the Asian College of Journalism.

The webinar, titled ‘Covering Heat: What Gets Missed’, featured Apekshita Varshney, founder and executive director of Heat Watch, and Laurie Goering, extreme heat editor at Climate Resilience for All. The speakers called for a rethinking of how heat impacts communities, and urged journalists and policymakers to examine the working conditions of those exposed to extreme temperatures and to design solutions grounded in lived realities.

Ms. Varshney said that in 2024, Heat Watch recorded 733 heatstroke deaths across 17 States between March and June. However, data presented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare during the recent Lok Sabha session reported 360 deaths in the same 17 States between March 1 and July 25, pointing to discrepancies in official figures.

Ms. Goering noted that while outdoor workers face direct exposure during heatwaves and are often advised to remain indoors, indoor heat poses a serious risk as well. Those living in tin-roofed houses or other marginalised housing conditions experience intense indoor temperatures. “Women in particular are at risk, as they spend long hours indoors cooking and caring for children,” she said.

The speakers also highlighted the growing threat of rising night-time temperatures. Vulnerable groups bear the brunt of prolonged heat stress, and women face heightened risks including mental health challenges and an increase in domestic violence.

The session was moderated by journalist Shreya Raman. The Climate Change Media Hub is supported by Interlink Academy.