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ILO Report on Global Warming

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July 03, 2019

Why in news?

The report “Working on a warmer planet: The impact of heat stress on labour productivity and decent work” was released by International Labour Organisation (ILO).

What does the report say?

  • In 2030, 2.2% of total working hours worldwide will be lost because of higher temperatures.
  • The global productivity losses would be around 80 million full-time jobs (equivalent to economic loss of US$ 2,400 billion).
  • The projection of 34 million jobs losses in India would make it the worst affected.
  • A third of the southern Asian countries have already incurred losses greater than 4%
  • This is a conservative estimate, assuming that the global mean temperature does not rise more than 1.5°C  

How it was worked out?

  • The report defines heat stress as heat in excess of what the body can tolerate without suffering physiological impairment.
  • It generally occurs at temperatures above 35°C, in high humidity.
  • Excess heat during work is an occupational health risk and restricts workers’ physical functions and capabilities, work capacity and thus, productivity.
  • Assumptions and basis for the projections are,
    1. Global temperature rise of 1.5°C by the end of the century,
    2. Labour force trends.

What are the projections for India?

  • India to lose the most working hours is southern Asia in 2030.
  • It lost 4.3% of working hours in 1995 because of heat stress.
  • It is projected to lose 5.8% of its working hours in 2030, which corresponds to 34 million jobs.
  • The report projects losses in working hours as
    1. 9.04% in agriculture (in shade),
    2. 5.29% in manufacturing,
    3. 9.04% in construction, and
    4. 1.48% in services.
  • Most of the impact will be felt in the agricultural sector.
  • More working hours are expected to be lost in the construction sector (where heat stress affects both male and female workers).
  • Most areas have drought like conditions so there will be more migration of agricultural workers to urban areas – usually to work in the construction sector.
  • There has been no direct job loss at present, with distressed workers switching from one vulnerable sector to another.

What is the bigger picture?

  • Globally, the two sectors projected to be hit worst are agriculture and construction, with agriculture worse affected.
  • In agriculture – 60% of working hours will be lost due to heat stress by 2030.
  • In construction – 19% of global working hours to be lost.
  • More inequality between low and high income countries to be seen.
  • There will be worsening working conditions for the most vulnerable, as well as displacement of people.
  • To adapt to this new reality appropriate measures by governments, employers and workers, focusing on protecting the most vulnerable, are urgently needed.

 

Source: The Indian Express

 

Quick Facts

International Labour Organisation (ILO)

  • Found in:1919
  • Headquarter: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • It became U.N. first specialised agency in 1946.
  • It is the only tripartite U.N. agency that brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member States.
  • It sets labour standards, develops policies and devises programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
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