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.
Answer:
(b)
Moderate
Application Based
Non-traditional
What is wet-bulb temperature? Wet-bulb temperature measures temperature and humidity combined. A wet-bulb temperature of 35°C is considered the limit of human survivability because beyond this, the human body cannot effectively cool itself through sweating. It implies extreme heat stress where heat dissipation becomes nearly impossible, causing severe health risks and even mortality. Statement I: “Peninsular India will most likely suffer from flooding, tropical cyclones and droughts.” This is related to climate impacts but not directly about wet-bulb temperature. While flooding, cyclones, and droughts are climate risks India faces, the wet-bulb temperature warning is about extreme heat and humidity affecting survival, not necessarily directly about these disasters. So, this statement does not directly reflect the implication of wet-bulb temperature exceeding 35°C. Statement II: “The survival of animals including humans will be affected as shedding of their body heat through perspiration becomes difficult.” This directly relates to the effect of high wet-bulb temperatures. When wet-bulb temperature is above 35°C, the body’s cooling mechanism (sweating) fails. This causes heat stress, heat stroke, and potentially death. So, Statement II correctly reflects the implication. Therefore, the correct answer is: (b) II only