June 2024 was the thirteenth consecutive month of breaking global temperature records. A United Nations publication titled “United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat” notes that 2024 will likely be one of the hottest, if not the hottest, years in recorded history.
The publication highlights human activity and fossil fuels as the leading causes of the climate crisis. Extreme temperatures negatively impact all aspects of society and nature, including natural resources, biodiversity, the environment, agriculture, human health, and the economy. However, the impact is not uniform across all groups.
In social terms, poor communities and displaced individuals struggle to protect themselves from extreme heat. Specifically, the most vulnerable groups include the youngest, the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and outdoor workers.
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Global Economy and Workers’ Health
High temperatures, experienced almost globally, have serious negative consequences on the global economy. They significantly affect sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. Healthcare, tourism, international trade, and supply chains are also impacted.
According to the publication, heat stress particularly impacts worker productivity. When temperatures exceed 26°C (79°F), productivity begins to decline, and at 34°C (93°F), it drops by up to 50 per cent. This so-called heat stress leads to losses of around 280 billion USD; by 2030, these losses are expected to rise to 2.4 trillion USD.
Workplace safety measures must be implemented to reduce these losses to prevent injuries caused by excessive heat. By doing so, over 360 billion USD could be saved globally. Outdoor workers, such as farmers and construction workers, are particularly exposed to these conditions.
In terms of workplace injuries, more than 22 million such injuries are due to excessively high temperatures. Additionally, prolonged exposure can lead to diseases that are not immediately noticeable, such as chronic kidney diseases. It is also important to note the mental health of employees, as these weather conditions lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
