The new joint report, Climate change and heat stress at workemphasizes the mounting risks as climate change fuel longer, more extreme and more frequent heat waves.
When one emphasizes that workers in agriculture, construction and fishing are already suffering from the effects of dangerous temperatures, the report points out that vulnerable groups in developing countries-inclusive children, older adults and low-income communities are facing rising dangers.
“Heat stress already damages the health and livelihood of billions of workers, especially in the most vulnerable communities“Said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director -General of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care.
“This new guide offers practical, evidence -based solutions to protect lifeReduce inequality and build up more resilient workforce in a warming world, ”he added.
Based on five decades of research, the report highlights how rising temperatures affect both health and productivity.
WMO confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, at 1.55 degrees Celsius over pre -industrial temperatures, and With the daytime over 40 ° C becomes common – and in some areas, even exceeding 50 ° C.
“Business heat stress has become a global societal challengewhich is no longer limited to countries located close to the equator-as highlighted by the recent heat wave in Europe, ”said Ko Barrett, WMO-ViceGeneral Secretary.” Protection of workers against extreme heat is Not only a health imperative but a financial necessity. “
Alarming finds
The report describes how extreme heat transforms the working world. It finds that worker productivity falls by 2 to 3 percent for each degree above 20 ° C.
The health consequences are extensive, including heat flow, dehydration, kidney dysfunction and neurological disorders. Overall, almost half of the world’s population is now experiencing negative effects from high temperatures.
Path forward
Invitation to urgent business heating action plans tailored to industries and regions, WHO and WMO guidance includes multiple recommendations:
- Develop targeted commercial heating policies based on local weather and workforce vulnerability.
- Prioritize the protection of middle -aged and older workers, those with chronic health conditions and people with lower physical fitness.
- Educated health professionals, employers and workers to recognize and treat heat stress, which is often incorrectly diagnosed.
- Involve workers, trade unions and local authorities in the design of heat health strategies.
- Promote affordable, sustainable and scalable solutions together with innovation and new technologies.
- Strengthen research and monitoring to ensure that measures remain effective.
The guide is based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) Fund that More than 2.4 billion workers are exposed to excessive heat globally, resulting in over 22.85 million business injuries each year.
‘Critical milestone’
“This report represents a critical milestone in our collective reaction to the growing threat of extreme heat in the work world,” said Joaquim Pintado Nunes, ILO manager for business security and health and work environment.
“In line with ILO’s mandate to promote safe and healthy working environments as a basic right, it offers robust, evidence -based guidance to help governments, employers and workers confront the escalating risks of climate change.”
A call for action
Both UN agencies emphasize that tackling heat stress is central to protecting life, livelihood and economies. The guidance supports the UN goals of sustainable development (SDG), which calls for crucial action to protect vulnerable workers, reduce poverty and promote sustainable growth.
Reasonable and coordinated action is no longer optional – it’s important, the report says.
