Extreme heat is significantly impacting the livelihoods of outdoor workers in India, with losses of up to 9% of their income reported. This phenomenon, termed a ‘poverty multiplier’, is particularly severe for those in the informal sector, where many lack job security and adequate working conditions.
Research indicates that outdoor workers, especially in sectors like agriculture and construction, are suffering from reduced productivity due to extreme temperatures. The International Institute for Environment and Development found that these workers are losing an average of 6.6% of their salaries, which translates to substantial financial strain for families already living on the edge of poverty.
The situation is exacerbated by the lack of access to basic necessities such as shade, clean drinking water, and medical support at worksites. Many workers are forced to continue working despite severe health issues, leading to a vicious cycle of illness and income loss. For instance, families like that of Inder and Laxmi Kumar struggle to balance work and health, often returning home exhausted and ill.
As climate change intensifies, the economic toll on India could reach £58 billion annually, further entrenching poverty and inequality. This crisis highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to protect vulnerable workers and address the broader implications of climate change on health and income stability.
Source: The Guardian
