UN Report: Climate Change Poses Health Risk to 70% of Global Workforce
The report, compiled by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a UN agency, highlights the severe impact of climate change on the safety and health of workers globally. It points out that excessive heat, extreme weather conditions, solar UV radiation, and air pollution have led to a significant increase in certain diseases.
In a startling revelation, a report released by the United Nations (UN) on Monday stated that more than 70% of workers worldwide are at risk of climate change-related health hazards. The report estimates that over 2.4 billion people are likely to be exposed to excessive heat while at work.
The report, compiled by the International Labour Organization (ILO), a UN agency, highlights the severe impact of climate change on the safety and health of workers globally. It points out that excessive heat, extreme weather conditions, solar UV radiation, and air pollution have led to a significant increase in certain diseases.
According to the report, an estimated 18,970 lives are lost annually due to occupational injuries linked to excessive heat. Furthermore, it states that over 26.2 million people are living with chronic kidney disease related to workplace heat stress.
The report also sheds light on the dangers faced by outdoor workers. It reveals that more than 860,000 outdoor workers die each year from exposure to air pollution. Additionally, nearly 19,000 people die annually from non-melanoma skin cancer due to exposure to solar UV radiation.
Manal Azzi, a team lead of occupational safety and health at the ILO, emphasized the need to incorporate occupational safety and health considerations into climate change responses, both in terms of policies and actions. She stated, “As average temperatures rise, heat illness is a growing safety and health concern for workers throughout the world, including in the U.S.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that environmental heat exposure claimed the lives of 36 workers in 2021 and 56 in 2020 in the U.S. alone. This data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect workers from the escalating threats posed by climate change.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impacts of climate change, extending beyond environmental degradation to pose a direct threat to human health and safety. It calls for immediate action and policy changes to safeguard the global workforce from the escalating health risks associated with climate change.
The findings of the report underscore the urgent need for countries and corporations worldwide to prioritize worker safety in their climate change responses. This includes implementing measures to protect workers from excessive heat and air pollution, providing adequate healthcare for those affected by climate-related diseases, and investing in research and technology to mitigate the health impacts of climate change on the workforce.
In conclusion, the report serves as a wake-up call for governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. It emphasizes that tackling climate change is not just about saving the planet but also about protecting the health and well-being of billions of workers who are the backbone of our global economy.
As the world continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, it is clear that a healthy workforce is crucial for a sustainable future. Therefore, ensuring occupational safety and health in the face of climate change should be a top priority for all.
Stay tuned, on PropleManager.co.in for further updates to the evolving workplace paradigm.
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