June 2024 was recorded as the thirteenth month in a row to break global temperature records. In a United Nations publication entitled The United Nations Secretary-General’s call for action on extreme heat (eng United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat), it is stated that there is a high probability that the year 2024 will be one of the warmest, if not the warmest, year recorded in the history of measurements.
The publication highlights human action and fossil fuels as the main causes of the climate crisis. Extreme temperatures negatively affect all aspects of society and nature. From natural resources, biodiversity and the environment in general, through agriculture, to human health and the economy. However, not everyone is affected equally.
Talking about the social aspect, poor communities and displaced persons can hardly protect themselves from extreme heat. Looking more specifically, the most vulnerable are the youngest, the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women, but there is another group – outdoor workers.
Global economy and workers’ health
The high temperatures faced by almost the entire planet have serious negative consequences for the global economy, with a pronounced impact on sectors such as agriculture, energy and infrastructure. There is also health care, tourism, but also international trade and supply chains.
As explained in the Publication, the special impact is on the productivity of workers. When temperatures exceed 26oC, productivity begins to decline, while at a height of 34oC reduces by as much as 50 percent. So-called heat stress leads to losses of about 280 billion US dollars, and by 2030, losses are expected to increase to 2.4 trillion US dollars.
In order to reduce these losses, it is necessary to implement the necessary safety measures at work to prevent injuries caused by excessive heat. In this way, as stated, more than 360 billion US dollars would be saved worldwide. Outdoor workers, such as farmers or construction workers, are particularly exposed to these conditions.
When it comes to injuries at work, more than 22 million such injuries are caused by excessive temperatures. In addition, due to long-term exposure, diseases may occur that are not immediately noticeable, examples of which are chronic kidney diseases. Also, the mental health of employees, which is affected by such weather conditions, is worth paying attention to, and an increased level of stress, anxiety and depression is noted.
Katarina Vuinac
Source: energetskiportal.rs
