Permanent Mission of India
New York
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High-Level Solutions Dialogue on Accelerating Early Warning and
Extreme Heat Solutions

Statement by Shri Sibi George, Secretary (West)
22 September 2025

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank the Secretary-General, Brazil and UN agencies and organisations for convening this timely discussion. We are living in an era of climate extremes: rising temperatures are fuelling more frequent and more destructive floods, droughts, cyclones, wildfires, and heatwaves. These events no longer strike as isolated shocks—they are becoming systemic threats to development, health, and stability. India itself has grappled with heat waves and floods in recent months.

Among them, extreme heat stands out as an especially underestimated hazard. It disrupts agriculture, reduces labour productivity, worsens health outcomes, and places unprecedented pressure on urban systems. For a country of India’s size and diversity, addressing heat risks and strengthening early warning capacities are critical priorities.

Excellencies,

India has been working proactively on this agenda. Heat Action Plans now operate across many of our states, combining forecast-based alerts with public awareness campaigns, training of health workers, and measures to keep vulnerable groups safe. Our National Disaster Management Authority, together with state and municipal governments, has linked forecasting systems directly to emergency protocols—so that alerts translate into concrete action on the ground. The use of digital tools and mobile platforms has allowed us to deliver targeted warnings and safety guidance to millions of citizens in real time.

We are also investing in practical, low-cost approaches—such as reflective “cool roofs,” passive architectural design, and restoring green spaces in cities—that reduce heat exposure while creating co-benefits for communities.

Yet we know that national action must be complemented by international cooperation. Expanding access to finance, technology, and capacity-building will be essential to ensure that all countries, especially in the Global South, can protect their people.

Excellencies,

India is committed to working with partners to ensure that by 2027, early warning systems reach everyone, and that global responses to extreme heat reflect the principles of equity and shared responsibility.

Thank you.

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