Danger Dust

This latest global call to action emphasises four critical areas of response: protecting the vulnerable, protecting workers, boosting resilience and limiting further warming to stave off an era of what Guterres has termed “global boiling”.

The most vulnerable people include the young, sick, elderly, those on low incomes who can’t find safety in a cool place, and pregnant women. These particular groups are even more vulnerable if they live in rapidly urbanising cities in countries where excruciating heat shocks are becoming more frequent, intense and long-lasting. Women tend to face bigger burdens from extreme heat – most agricultural workers in fields are female and in towns and cities women carry out of the most domestic work.

Workers also need better protection. An estimated 70% of the global workforce is exposed to extreme heat – that includes construction and agricultural workers, warehouse and distribution centres and office workers.