ECONOMICS

HEAT STRESS IS MORE THAN A DEGREE OF CONCERN

Source: THE HINDU

Introduction

• The article discusses the severe impact of heat stress on labour productivity, emphasizing the economic losses that the Asia and Pacific regions could face. It highlights the health risks associated with heat stress, the economic implications, and the need for effective mitigation strategies.

Impact of Heat Stress on Labor Productivity

Health Effects on Workers

Heat stress poses significant health risks to workers, including:

• Heat Stroke: A severe condition caused by the body's inability to regulate its temperature.
• Heat Cramps: Painful muscle contractions due to excessive sweating and loss of electrolytes.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Increased heart rate and blood pressure due to heat can exacerbate heart conditions.
• Acute Kidney Injury: Dehydration and high temperatures can lead to kidney damage.
• Physical Injury: Increased risk of accidents due to fatigue and reduced cognitive function.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasizes maintaining a core body temperature of around 37°C. Temperatures above 38°C can impair cognitive and physical abilities, posing severe risks, especially for women in heat-exposed sectors like subsistence agriculture.

Economic Implications

An International Labour Organization (ILO) study from 2019 estimated that heat stress could reduce global working hours by 2.2% and global GDP by $2,400 billion by 2030. The study highlights:

• Agricultural and Construction Workers: These workers are most affected, accounting for 60% and 19% of working hours lost to heat stress, respectively.
• High-Risk Regions: Asia and the Pacific regions face the highest GDP losses due to heat stress. In 1995, the region's GDP decreased by 1.4%, projected to rise to 2.3% by 2030.

Regional Disparities

The impact of heat stress varies across regions:

• Southern Asia and Western Africa: Expected to see a reduction of almost 5% in working hours by 2030.
• European Subregions: Minimal reduction of 0.1% in working hours.

Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are particularly vulnerable due to their significant agricultural and construction sectors and tropical climates. These regions already house most of the world's poor, compounding efforts to reduce inequalities.

Gender Disparities

• Heat stress exacerbates gender disparities, particularly affecting women in subsistence agriculture. Excessive heat can lead to pregnancy-related complications and reduced productivity.

Impact in India

India is experiencing a consistent increase in temperatures, leading to:

• Deadly Heat Waves: By 2030, 160-200 million people may face deadly heat waves annually.
• Job Losses: Approximately 34 million people may lose jobs due to reduced productivity from heat stress.
• Significant Declines in Employment: Full-time employment may decline significantly by 2030 due to heat stress.
• Vulnerable Migrant Workers: Often working in hazardous conditions without safety protections.

Mitigation Strategies

• National Guidelines: India has guidelines titled "Preparation of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of Heat Wave," developed by the National Disaster Management Authority with the Ministry of Home Affairs. These guidelines focus on:
  • Worker Education: Informing workers about heat stress risks and prevention.
  • Hydration: Ensuring proper hydration for workers.
  • Work Schedule Management: Adjusting work hours to avoid peak heat periods.
  • Medical Facilities: Providing necessary medical support.
• International Labour Standards: The International Labour Conference (June 2023) emphasized the need to:
  • Implement Measures: Ensure worker safety and health in climate-related risks.
  • Develop Infrastructure: Enhance early warning systems for extreme weather.
  • Improve Communication: Between workers and employers for effective management of heat stress.

Green Jobs

• Promoting decent and green employment is crucial in the face of climate change. Green jobs:
  • Protect and Restore the Environment: Aim to mitigate environmental degradation.
  • Support Economic and Social Well-being: Provide sustainable employment opportunities.
• Green jobs can be a promising solution for future work, ensuring safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability. The government should implement regulatory and legislative measures to protect workers, especially in heat-vulnerable occupations, and adopt construction standards to safeguard indoor workers.

Conclusion

• The article emphasizes the urgent need to address heat stress and its impact on labour productivity, particularly in vulnerable regions like Asia and the Pacific. It calls for comprehensive mitigation strategies, including national guidelines, international labour standards, and the promotion of green jobs to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for the workforce.

Key Takeaways ●Health Risks of Heat Stress: Heat stress can lead to severe health conditions such as heat stroke, heat cramps, cardiovascular diseases, acute kidney injury, and physical injuries. These health issues are particularly concerning for workers in high-temperature environments. ●Economic Impact: Heat stress is projected to reduce global working hours by 2.2% and global GDP by $2,400 billion by 2030. Sectors like agriculture and construction will be significantly impacted, with notable losses in productivity. ●Regional Disparities: Asia and the Pacific will face the highest economic losses due to heat stress. Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are expected to experience significant reductions in working hours, while European regions will see minimal impact. ●Impact on India: India is particularly vulnerable, with projected annual job losses for 34 million people by 2030 due to heat stress. The country is expected to see a substantial decrease in working hours and full-time employment. ●Mitigation Measures: National guidelines in India focus on educating workers, ensuring proper hydration, managing work schedules, and providing medical support to address heat stress. International labour standards emphasize improved infrastructure and early warning systems. ●Green Jobs as a Solution: Promoting green jobs, which protect the environment while supporting economic and social well-being, is proposed as a viable solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change and heat stress on the workforce.

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/heat-stress-is-more-than-a-degree-of-concern/article68433789.ece#:~:text=Workers%2C%20who%20are%20particularly%20vulnerable,kidney%20injury%2C%20and%20physical%20injury.

ENVIRONMENT

ECONOMIC SURVEY SHOWS WHAT INDIA GETS RIGHT — AND DEVELOPED NATIONS GET WRONG — ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

Source: Indian Express

 

Introduction

• Chapter 13 of the Economic Survey of India examines the country's stance on climate change, highlighting the need for practical and optimal approaches rather than idealistic and often impractical strategies advocated by developed nations. The chapter critically examines the climate strategies of developed countries and emphasizes India's sustainable practices.

Climate Change Debate: Idealists vs. Realists

• Climate Idealists: These are individuals or groups that advocate for immediate and ambitious actions to combat climate change, often without considering the practical challenges and economic impacts.
• Climate Realists: These individuals prioritize practical, achievable solutions that balance economic development with environmental sustainability.

India, being the fifth-largest economy in the world and expected to become the third-largest by 2030, faces significant energy needs. The country's developmental requirements must be balanced with its climate commitments, avoiding the label of being one of the largest polluters while striving for sustainable growth.

India's Sustainable Practices

• Per-Capita Emissions: India's per-capita carbon emissions are approximately 2.5 tons, significantly lower than the global average of 6.3 tons. This highlights India's relatively low contribution to global carbon emissions compared to its population size.
• Traditional Ethos: India's culture promotes sustainable living through various practices such as using cloth instead of tissue paper, using plates made of leaves instead of plastic, and employing water-based toilet cleaning systems.

These traditional practices reflect an inherent sustainability that contrasts with the high-consumption lifestyles of developed countries.

Climate Adaptation and Mitigation

• Climate Adaptation: This involves adjusting to the effects of climate change, such as developing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
• Climate Mitigation: This focuses on reducing the causes of climate change, such as cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.

The chapter questions the effectiveness and fairness of the global strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation. It argues that before pledging billions of dollars, it's essential to ask whether these strategies are optimal and beneficial for everyone involved.

Historical Emissions and Developed Nations' Responsibilities

• Historical Emissions: Developed countries have historically used resources destructively to achieve their current level of economic growth. This historical exploitation has contributed significantly to the current levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Climate Pledges: The climate pledges made by developed countries are often criticized for being insufficient, conditional, and aimed more at profit maximization than genuine green intensification. For instance, the US and other Western countries have pushed to make contributions to the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) "voluntary" for those who "choose to pay," which undermines the commitment to global climate action.

India's Approach: Mission LiFE

• Mission LiFE: Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility in combating climate change.
• Sustainable Behaviors: This initiative encourages adopting sustainable behaviours in daily life, such as using reusable items, reducing waste, and opting for environmentally friendly products.

Economic and Sustainable Choices

• Consumption Choices: The chapter highlights the need for a cost-benefit analysis of consumption choices. For example, producing one kilogram of beef requires 25 kilograms of feed crop, while one kilogram of lamb requires 15 kilograms. This makes the choice of consuming less resource-intensive foods both an economic and sustainable decision.
• Lifestyle Changes: Encourages changing consumption patterns to more sustainable ones, questioning energy-guzzling technologies, and adopting plant-based diets.

Conclusion

• India must adopt a variety of optimal approaches to climate change, focusing on sustainable practices rooted in its traditional ethos. The chapter emphasizes the need for individual actions and a collective shift towards sustainable living. It calls for deeper introspection into over-consumption and the pursuit of internal stability to adapt to external changes.

Key Takeaways ●Balance Development and Climate: India's rapid economic growth needs to be balanced with its climate commitments. ●Sustainable Living: Embracing traditional sustainable practices is crucial. ●Optimal Strategies: Global climate strategies need to be practical and beneficial for all parties. ●Mission LiFE: Individual responsibility and sustainable behaviours are essential for meaningful climate action. Introspection: Addressing over-consumption and promoting internal stability are vital for achieving sustainability. By focusing on practical, sustainable practices and individual responsibility, India can lead the way in addressing climate change effectively.

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/economic-survey-climate-change-developed-countries-9468687/