Global Perspective

Labour Efficiency and Productivity: Climate change and environmental degradation significantly affect worker safety and health worldwide. Heat stress, exacerbated by rising temperatures, leads to reduced labour efficiency and productivity. This phenomenon is projected to decrease total working hours globally by 2.2% and impact global GDP by $2,400 billion by 2030.

Health Effects: Workers exposed to heat stress face various health risks including heat stroke, heat cramps, cardiovascular diseases, acute kidney injury, and physical injuries. These conditions are exacerbated when core body temperatures exceed 38°C, affecting both cognitive and physical capabilities.

Vulnerability of Workers

Sectoral Impact: Agricultural and construction workers are most vulnerable to heat stress due to the nature of their work. Agricultural workers, for instance, face significantly higher risks compared to other occupations, with farmworkers being 35 times more susceptible to heat-related fatalities.

Regional Variations: The Asia-Pacific region experiences the highest GDP losses due to heat stress affecting labor productivity. Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and India are expected to see substantial declines in GDP by 2030, with some regions projected to experience a nearly 5% decrease in working hours.

Specific Impacts and Examples

Impact in India: India, with its large population and diverse climatic conditions, faces severe consequences from heat stress. By 2030, between 160 to 200 million individuals annually may be at risk of deadly heat waves. The country is expected to lose a significant percentage of working hours and productivity, particularly affecting sectors like agriculture and informal labor.

Social and Economic Consequences: Heat stress exacerbates inequalities, particularly in regions like southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where vulnerable populations and poor communities are most affected. The decline in labor productivity among small-scale farmers threatens household food security and economic stability.

Policy and Mitigation Strategies

National and International Efforts

National Guidelines: Countries like India have developed comprehensive action plans, such as the ''Preparation of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of Heat Wave'', aimed at protecting the workforce from extreme heat events. These plans include provisions for education, hydration, managing work schedules, and ensuring medical facilities.

International Labour Standards: Efforts are underway to strengthen implementation of international labor standards related to occupational safety and health. This includes providing suitable working conditions and promoting effective communication between workers and employers to manage and mitigate heat stress.

Role of Green Jobs

Promoting Sustainable Employment: Green jobs emerge as a sustainable solution to mitigate climate impacts on labor. These jobs focus on protecting or restoring the environment while supporting economic growth and social well-being. Implementing regulatory measures in heat-prone occupations and enhancing infrastructure are crucial steps towards ensuring worker safety and well-being.

Conclusion

Climate change-induced heat stress poses significant challenges to global economies, worker health, and sustainable development goals. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts at national, regional, and international levels, encompassing policy interventions, adaptation strategies, and investments in green and sustainable employment. By prioritizing the protection of vulnerable workers and promoting resilient infrastructure, countries can mitigate the adverse impacts of heat stress while advancing towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth.