Climate changes and the working life

Climate change, driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, is an undeniable reality. These activities release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, leading to global warming and significant shifts in weather patterns. The consequences of these changes are far-reaching, impacting not only the environment but also various aspects of human life, including the workplace. As businesses and organizations grapple with the effects of climate change, they face numerous challenges that require innovative solutions and adaptive strategies. Some of the challenges are described below.

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High outdoor temperatures: Extreme heat can cause significant health issues such as heat stroke, and other heat stress related illnesses: High temperatures for longer periods of time can increase the risk of injuries due to fatigue and lack of concentration. A reduction in productivity may also occur. Increasing temperatures may cause increased stress levels in workers, including outdoor workers who must work altered time schedules to avoid periods of high temperature. High temperatures may cause reduction in crops, and need for innovative, new food sources. This leads to changes in workplaces and changes for the workers.

Extreme weather: One of the primary challenges workplaces face due to climate change is the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and heatwaves can disrupt operations, damage infrastructure, and pose serious risks to employee safety. For instance, a manufacturing plant located in a flood-prone area may experience frequent shutdowns, leading to production delays and financial losses. Another significant challenge is the impact of climate change on supply chains. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the reliability of supply chains is compromised. Natural disasters can damage transportation networks, delay shipments, and increase the cost of raw materials. All these factors cause changes in the working situation for workers and cause negative stress and major worries. Also, the different extreme situations pose a significant challenge for health personnel, and hospitals and health care units need to prepare for serious, extreme disasters involving many people.

Wildfires: Several large wildfires have occurred the past years, killing large numbers of people. Projections indicate that the risk of wildfires will continue to increase. In most areas of the world as climate changes worsens. The need for competent firefighters is increasing. However, the firefighters must be well protected during their work, as they have a high risk of injuries as well as for instance long-term respiratory health effects.

Need for change, reduction in carbon footprints: Governments around the world are enacting stricter environmental regulations to combat climate change, requiring businesses to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt sustainable practices. Compliance with these regulations can be costly and complex, particularly for industries that are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Companies may need to invest in new technologies, such as renewable energy sources or energy-efficient equipment, and implement comprehensive sustainability programs. These factors influence the work situation for many workers.

In conclusion: Climate change poses a myriad of challenges for workplaces, from extreme weather events and supply chain disruptions to regulatory compliance and employee health. Addressing these challenges requires a proactive and holistic approach, encompassing everything from individual practices and infrastructure resilience to workforce training and financial planning. Safety and health for the workers must not be forgotten in this situation that often requires work changes. If you like to read more about this topic, ILO published the report ‘Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate’ in 2024: ILO report climate