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.
Explanation
Statement I is correct: The World Bank's report on India's cooling sector and climate vulnerability highlights that extreme heat stress (wet-bulb temperatures) is linked to a wider set of climate implications, including more frequent and intense tropical cyclones, flooding, and droughts, particularly affecting the vulnerable Peninsular region.
Statement II is correct: The wet-bulb temperature is a measure that combines heat and humidity. At 35°C wet-bulb, the air is too saturated for sweat to evaporate, preventing the body from shedding heat. This makes survival physically impossible for humans and animals without external cooling.