India takes tough stand at climate talks as Delhi endures brutal heatwave

[marmar]

(Guardian UK) Throughout the day Virender Sharma splashes water from a bucket on to the sheet he has pulled over his lilies, tuberoses, carnations and gerberas in an attempt to protect them from the hot, dry wind sweeping through Delhi.

But the street flower seller’s attempts to protect his produce is futile. Since the onset of a brutal heatwave in mid-March, his income has dropped by 60%.

“By lunchtime, they aren’t looking fresh at all and no one wants to buy them,” he said, sweating profusely. “In any case, there are hardly any people passing by on this road because it is just too hot to step out unless you have to.”

According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department, Delhi has recorded a maximum temperature of at least 42C on 25 days since summer began – the highest number since 2012.

The average summer temperature is usually 36-38C. In mid-May the temperature shot up to 49C in some parts of the city. ............(more)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/14/india-takes-tough-stand-at-climate-talks-as-delhi-endures-brutal-heatwave