Asia's Heatwave: Workers Can't Recover From Extreme Temps

Cities across south and south-east Asia are transforming into environments where informal workers struggle to recover from extreme heat. Jalaj Jha, a 24-year-old gig worker in Delhi, experiences exhaustion before his 12-hour delivery shift due to oppressive heat and poor ventilation in his living space.

A new report highlights that hotter nights and the urban heat island effect are increasingly preventing millions of informal workers from resting adequately. This "recovery deficit" exacerbates heat-related illnesses and economic hardship.

The crisis is intensifying as climate change increases the likelihood of heatwaves, with night-time temperatures rising faster than daytime temperatures. This trend reduces the crucial recovery periods for workers.

Globally, over 70% of workers are exposed to excessive heat, disproportionately affecting informal laborers. In India, nearly 90% of the workforce operates in the informal sector, making them highly susceptible.

While some cities have implemented heat action plans, experts argue these measures are often reactive and insufficient. A report based on over 2,200 interviews found that nearly 80% of internal migrant workers experience disruptions to their livelihoods due to extreme heat.

Workers report lost wages, increased expenses for water and medicine, and significant fatigue. The impacts extend to mental health and community well-being, creating a pervasive sense of exhaustion that affects daily life and work.