- Working on a warmer Planet Report 2019 has been released by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
- The report highlights the impact of heat stress on labour productivity and decent work.
Key Global Findings-
- By the year 2030, it is projected that there will be a loss equivalent to more than two per cent of total working hours worldwide every year. This loss will be due to either too much heat or slower pace of workers.
- By the year 2030, the accumulated global financial loss due to heat stress is projected to reach USD 2,400 billion.
- The global working-age population is estimated to grow to 6.6 billion in 2030 from 3.9 billion in 1995.
- Approximately 1.4 per cent of total working hours were lost worldwide in 1995 due to high heat levels. This is the equivalent of around 35 million full-time jobs.
- According to the estimates obtained by combining a global temperature rise of 1.5°C by the end of the 21st century with labour force trends, by 2030, when the global temperature is expected to have risen by about 1.3°C, the share of total working hours lost will rise to 2.2 per cent. It is a productivity loss equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs.
- Africa is the world’s second most populated region after Asia and the Pacific and is one of the most vulnerable regions to heat stress.
- It is further estimated that 2.3 per cent of the total number of working hours in Africa will be lost to heat stress in 2030. It is the equivalent of more than 14 million full-time jobs.
- Central America is the most affected sub region by heat stress.
- In the Asia Pacific region, the most vulnerable countries to productivity losses are those which have a high share of agricultural and/or construction employment and those that are located within the tropical and subtropical latitudes, such as Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- Europe and Central Asia is the least affected region by heat exposure.
Key Findings of India-
- The report founded that India will be the most affected country due to global warming with agriculture and construction sectors being most affected sectors.
- The report further stated that India is estimated to lose 5.8 per cent of working hours in 2030 due to global warming. It is a productivity loss equivalent to 34 million full-time jobs.
- The report highlighted that India is most affected by heat stress and has lost 4.3 per cent of working hours in 1995.
Quick Facts-
- International Labour Organisation was established on 29th October 1919. ILO was the first specialised agency of the United Nations.
- It sets International Labour standards.
- It has 187 members.
- It is headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland.
- Guy Ryder of United Kingdom is the Director-General of ILO.
