Virtual Summit Submission

University of Texas at Austin
Environmental Science

Biography

Laasya Khandavalli is an undergraduate senior at UT Austin pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science (Geography) and a Bridging Disciplines Certificate in Human Rights and Social Justice. She is a Rapaport Scholar and Tyler Fellow and has accumulated various internships and research experience over her undergraduate career. Her interests center around natural disaster preparedness and emergency management with a focus on evaluating and mitigating socioeconomic disaster impacts on vulnerable populations. She is passionate about bringing context-based approaches to community service and engagement.

Project

Evaluating the Effect of Extreme Heat on Small Businesses in Ahmedabad
Global climate projections show increasing average and maximum temperatures, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This study examined how extreme urban heat affects health, business survival, productivity, and stress among a variety of small business owners in an effort to identify key factors affecting small businesses due to increasing temperatures in Ahmedabad. Climate adaptation strategies, such as natural roof insulation, whitewashes, and portable shade mechanisms, were discussed and evaluated for their efficacy and popularity. Wet bulb temperature thresholds were identified and used to help understand the experiences of small business owners and their families. We found that around 40% of respondents reported delays, spoilage, or loss of perishable food items due to heat-related disruptions in transportation, storage, or supply delivery during the 2025 extreme heat period. More than 80% of respondents experienced a decline in their customer base and subsequent sales solely due to extreme heat in 2025. Additionally, 85% of respondents reported reducing the number of meals they or their family ate per day due to the 2025 extreme heat. Based on these findings, we can infer that extreme heat significantly impacts economic status, food insecurity, and health.