Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent ILO study findings, Heat stress is anticipated to affect labour efficiency and productivity. Examine its impact and suggest some measures to mitigate its effect.
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India is undergoing a consistent increase in temperatures annually. By 2030, an estimated 160 million-200 million individuals around the nation may face the risk of experiencing deadly heat waves every year. \u25cf It poses concerns that have the potential to exacerbate gender disparities in the workforce. Impacts of the rising frequency and intensity of heat stress across India<\/strong> Measures to mitigate its effec<\/strong>t \u25cfIt is crucial for all stakeholders, including governments, employers, and workers, to collaborate in implementing measures that prioritise the protection of the most vulnerable individuals The government may implement adequate regulatory and legislative measures in occupations that are susceptible to heat waves in order to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. Considering the current climate change scenario, decent and green employment emerges as a promising solution for the future of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Source:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/lead\/heat-stress-is-more-than-a-degree-of-concern\/arti cle68433789.ece#:~:text=Workers%2C%20who%20are%20particularly%20vulnerable,kidne y%20injury%2C%20and%20physical%20injury.<\/a>
Heat stress is anticipated to affect labour efficiency and productivity<\/strong>
1) Working Hours<\/strong>
\u25cf Heat stress is projected to reduce total working hours worldwide by 2.2 percent and global GDP by US$2,400 billion in 2030.
\u25cf Agricultural and construction workers are expected to be the worst affected
2) Heat-related fatalities<\/strong>
\u25cf Recent ILO (2024) estimates that 2.41 billion workers worldwide are exposed to extreme heat.
\u25cf Exposure to extreme heat at work is directly associated with about 22.85 million injuries and 18,970 fatalities annually.
3) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) losses<\/strong>
\u25cf The Asia and the Pacific regions experience the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) losses due to heat stress affecting labour productivity.
\u25cf In 1995, the region\u2019s GDP was estimated to have decreased by 1.4%, which is forecast to decrease by 2.3% in 2030 due to climate change.
4) Food Security<\/strong>
\u25cf The decline in available working hours and output among small-scale and subsistence farmers is expected to affect household food security.
5) Gender disparities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25cf Deteriorating working conditions for the numerous women engaged in subsistence agriculture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) Risk of experiencing<\/strong>
\u25cf By 2030, an estimated 160 million-200 million individuals around the nation may face the risk of experiencing deadly heat waves every year.
2) Job losses<\/strong>
\u25cf Approximately 34 million people in India will experience job losses due to reduced productivity caused by heat stress.
\u25cf Example: <\/strong>West Bengal shows – temperature increases by 1\u00b0C, there is a corresponding decrease of approximately 2% in the productivity of female brickmaking workers.
3) Decline in full-time employment
<\/strong>\u25cf India is expected to experience a significant decline in full-time employment by 2030 as a result of heat stress, which can be attributed to its large population.
4) Informal economy<\/strong>
\u25cf Migrant workers often work in hazardous and physically demanding jobs, primarily in the informal economy.
5) Increased mortality<\/strong>
\u25cf It can lead to a rise in heatstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses, resulting in increased mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and outdoor workers.
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1) National guidelines<\/strong>
\u25cf \u2018Preparation of Action Plan \u2013 Prevention and Management of Heat Wave\u2019,<\/strong> by the National Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
\u25cf These guidelines are designed to protect the Indian workforce from the negative impacts of extreme heat.
2) Sufficient infrastructure<\/strong>
\u25cf The development of sufficient infrastructure and enhanced early warning systems for extreme weather events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3) Implementation of international labour standards
<\/strong>\u25cf There should be a focus on improving the implementation of international labour standards that are related to occupational safety and health.
\u25cf This will ensure that those affected by heat stress are provided with suitable working conditions.
4) Effective communication<\/strong>
\u25cf Effective communication between workers and employers is essential to facilitate the adjustment of working hours, guarantee adequate rest breaks, provide access to drinking water, and offer training on the identification and management of heat stress.
5) Green jobs<\/strong>
\u25cf Green jobs are employment opportunities that help protect or restore the environment while also supporting economic and social well-being.
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https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/energy-and-environment\/india-is-likely-undercountingheat-deaths-affecting-its-response-to-increasingly-harsh-heat-waves\/article68366495.ece<\/a><\/p>\n