As extreme heat grips Asia, informal workers face a dire choice: risk their health or forfeit their income. In cities like Delhi and Quezon, temperatures soar above 45 degrees Celsius, forcing workers like Brijpal Singh to endure grueling hours under the sun. For many, taking a day off is not an option, as missing work means losing vital wages that support their families.
The consequences extend beyond immediate discomfort. Rising temperatures are not only reducing productivity but also leading to increased health issues, costing informal workers an estimated 2% of their country’s GDP annually. This translates to nearly $80 billion in lost wages, as workers struggle to complete tasks that once took eight hours but now stretch to ten or twelve.
The situation is exacerbated for women, who often juggle paid work with caregiving responsibilities. As heat waves intensify, they bear the brunt of increased household demands, particularly when family members fall ill. The lack of adequate recovery spaces in densely populated urban areas further compounds their struggles, leaving them vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
With climate change driving these extreme conditions, the future looks bleak for millions of informal workers. As they navigate the harsh realities of their environments, the need for systemic change to protect their health and livelihoods becomes increasingly urgent.
Source: DW News
