The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have released a joint report highlighting the growing dangers of extreme heat for workers worldwide. As climate change intensifies heatwaves, millions of people employed outdoors — particularly in agriculture, construction, and fishing — face serious health risks.
According to the report, 2024 was the hottest year on record, with temperatures above 40°C becoming increasingly common even outside traditionally hot regions. Heat stress, once associated mainly with equatorial countries, is now a global threat, affecting productivity, safety, and well-being. Experts note that every degree above 20°C can reduce labor productivity by 2–3%.
The consequences range from heat stroke and dehydration to kidney failure and neurological damage, undermining both health and financial security. Currently, about half of the world’s population is exposed to excessive heat, and the International Labour Organization estimates that 2.4 billion workers experience heat stress, leading to nearly 23 million work-related injuries annually.
The new guidance calls for sector-specific and regional protection plans, targeted measures for vulnerable groups such as older workers and those with chronic illnesses, and training to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses. The organizations stress that coordinated global action is essential to protect health, reduce inequality, and build resilience in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.