The global labor force is increasingly exposed to extreme heat, particularly among workers in developing economies, according to recent research linking climate change and international trade practices.
Between 1995 and 2020, trade-related occupational heat exposure surged by 89%, jumping from 221.5 to 419.0 billion person-hours.
Significantly, lower-middle-income and low-income countries account for over 70% of this exposure, indicating stark inequities where these nations comprise just 5.7% and 1.0% of global labor compensation respectively.
Workers in vulnerable regions often find themselves enduring extreme conditions for nearly half of their working hours, underscoring the serious human costs of climate change and the need for effective adaptation strategies.
This study, which combines climate modeling with economic data, reveals not only the rising risks posed by heat but also how international trade redistributes both benefits and burdens, leading to unequal exposure among different economies.
"This disproportionate trade effect on global labor exposure to heat extremes reflects broader inequalities—those least responsible for climate change are bearing the brunt of its impacts," stated the authors of the article.
The research highlights how international trade practices can exacerbate these inequalities. For example, high-income countries contribute less to global heat exposure but reap greater economic benefits from labor produced under these conditions.
The authors note, "Ensuring worker safety and equitable labor practices must be prioritized within global supply chains to promote decent work and climate justice." This pushes for greater investments in climate adaptation infrastructure, especially for those most affected by heat stress.
Evidence presented demonstrates how leading producers of labor-intensive goods, such as India, China, and Nigeria, experience disproportionately high levels of heat exposure, resulting in reduced productivity and health risks for their workers.
Overall, this comprehensive study provides stark insights on the relationship between extreme heat exposure, international trade, and socioeconomic inequalities, emphasizing the urgent need for global action.