How the Climate Crisis Affects Those on the Frontlines of Change

In 2024, India faced a record-breaking heatwave. A report revealed 733 heat-related deaths, with over 40,000 people affected across 17 states. The country endured its longest heatwave ever, with temperatures hitting 50°C in some regions. While July’s monsoon brought some relief, it came with increased extreme rain events that raised alarms from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

The working conditions, especially for outdoor laborers, have become increasingly risky. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has emphasized six major climate impacts on workers: extreme heat, UV radiation exposure, severe weather, air pollution, vector-borne diseases, and exposure to harmful chemicals. These conditions hit informal workers and nonprofit fieldworkers the hardest, as they often lack protection while working outdoors.

Organizations like One Future Collective, which focuses on social justice, have felt the impact of these climate challenges firsthand. Frequent extreme weather has disrupted essential community engagements and forced the rescheduling of events. For example, in 2024, five workshops in Mumbai were canceled due to red alerts from the IMD, forcing the team to navigate flooded streets and increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.

These challenges led to discussions among organizations in the development sector. To understand the impact of climate change on their workers, One Future Collective conducted a survey called Labour Rights, Climate Change, and the Urban Development Sector. It aimed to shed light on how climate issues affect workers in the social sector.

The Inequality in Climate Exposure

Workers in urban development often fall into one of two categories: those who can work from home and those who are consistently in the field, primarily from marginalized communities. The latter face the brunt of climate-related risks but are seldom recognized as being affected by the climate crisis. This lack of recognition can lead to inadequate support and protection during climate events.

Many respondents reported that as they moved from rural to urban areas, they encountered more health issues. One person described a constant cycle of sickness after relocating to Delhi, attributed to the unpredictable urban climate and poor infrastructure management. Common ailments include allergies and chronic conditions, linked directly to the increasingly unstable environment.

Rethinking Work Structures

To tackle these challenges, nonprofits need to rethink their organizational structures. Here are key steps that can be taken to support affected workers:

1. Integrate Climate Considerations into Policies: Organizations should evaluate their policies to ensure they support workers facing climate-induced challenges. Short-term measures could include increased pay for fieldworkers and better remote work setups. Long-term strategies might involve developing financial tools to protect against wage losses during climate disruptions.

2. Secure Funding and Resources: Nonprofits often struggle with funding, particularly when facing delays in licenses and shrinking civic spaces. Increased funding for climate-focused worker safety measures is essential. For example, the Gujarat initiative by SEWA provides compensation to informal workers affected by heatwaves, showing the potential for more widespread programs.

3. Advocate for Stronger Labour Protections: Current labor laws often fail to protect workers in high-risk situations. Non-profits should push for policy changes that address these gaps and ensure that all workers have access to essential protections, including health insurance and safety regulations in fieldwork.

Moving Forward

Addressing these climate-induced challenges is not just about compliance with regulations; it’s about recognizing the evolving nature of work and ensuring every worker is safeguarded against these risks. As climate change intensifies, so must our efforts to protect the most vulnerable workers.

By using data from surveys and reports, we can better advocate for resources that address unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. The conversation needs to shift from viewing climate change merely as an environmental issue to understanding its extensive social implications.

For further insights into the climate crisis’s impact on labor rights, consider examining reports from the International Labour Organization or studies on the effects of climate change in urban settings. Keep the conversation going, as this issue affects us all.

For more information, check out the ILO to learn about social protection for workers facing climate challenges.

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