Some experts are sending warnings about the threat of rising temperatures to millions of workers worldwide. During a conference in Qatar, a Gulf country known for its hot climate, it was revealed that tens of thousands of workers have died in recent decades due to chronic kidney diseases and other conditions related to extreme heat.
During the event, Ruba Jaradat, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) for Arab countries, pointed out that “all nations can do more” to address this phenomenon. During last year’s World Cup in Qatar, it became evident that some people were working in temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius in Gulf countries.
Although the Qatari government has implemented advanced reforms and banned outdoor work during the hottest times of the day, experts and non-governmental organizations believe that more efforts could be made in this Gulf region.
Extreme heat and solar radiation exposure can lead to heatstroke, kidney diseases, heart problems, lung issues, and an increased risk of cancer. It is estimated that around one billion agricultural workers and tens of millions of outdoor workers are affected by these extreme weather conditions.
Despite the global concern about climate change, no specific international standard has been established to tackle this issue. However, the US administration has pledged to introduce new guidelines in 2021 after a heatwave became the leading cause of climate-related deaths in the country.