The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary on Sunday warned that the ongoing severe summer heatwave in India is the result of rapid climate change, mainly attributed to fossil fuel-intensive operations. The worsening climate change due to the continued use of coal, oil and gas as fuels is driving the severe heatwave this year across India, the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) warned in New Delhi on Sunday. Such hot temperatures had taken a "significant human and economic cost," especially for the vulnerable "who do not have access to cooling or may work outdoors," declared UN climate chief Simon Stiell.

The remarks come as heatwave conditions are setting in throughout most of the northern and central Indian states, during which the India Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipates a continuation of heatwave conditions for the coming few days. Several areas have had well above seasonal temperatures that have stressed public health and infrastructure.

With the scorching temperatures, the electricity demand has also reached record levels with people using fans and cooling systems at their homes and business premises. Stiell said the peak power demand recently hit new highs of 270.8 gigowatts at the time of heat wave surge on May 21 in India.

Increased consumption places demand on energy systems, but Stiell noted that renewable energy resources, including solar power, have aided response to peaks in daytime demand, demonstrating the importance of clean energy in achieving energy system climate resilience. He pointed out that greater yields of cheap and reliable electricity with minimal reliance on fossil fuels could be achieved by augmenting renewable generation and utilizing energy more efficiently.

The high temperatures are a reminder of the need to adapt to climate change as well as to curb it, the UN top climate official said. To safeguard vulnerable groups against the impacts of heat, he pointed to the need for a policy coordination approach that involves a more robust climate action as well as a wider rollout of clean energy and energy-smart infrastructure among various sectors.