Extreme Heat Hits Asia’s Informal Workers

Extreme heat is imposing growing health and economic costs on informal and outdoor workers across India, Bangladesh, and other Asian cities.

Limited access to shade, water, rest, ventilation, and affordable cooling is linked to lost workdays, dehydration, kidney problems, cardiovascular risks, and potentially substantial excess mortality. The material also points to wider pressures on food and water systems, electricity demand, public finances, and climate adaptation, with proposed responses including heat action plans, occupational protections, social payments, insurance, and lower-emissions cooling.