Introduction
The climate crisis has become an undeniable reality, impacting every dimension of human life—from the food we consume to the jobs we perform. Rising global temperatures, increasing frequency of natural disasters, changing rainfall patterns, and the degradation of ecosystems have created ripple effects across societies. One significant area that is often overlooked in mainstream climate discussions is the profound impact of climate change on labour rights. Labour rights, which are essential to ensuring decent, fair, and safe working conditions for all workers, are increasingly under threat in the era of climate change. As the environment and industries transform under the pressures of global warming, traditional frameworks for protecting workers are being challenged and require urgent rethinking. From the rise of green jobs to growing concerns over worker safety, climate change demands a reassessment of how labour policies and protections are structured at both national and international levels.
Understanding Labour Rights in the Context of Climate Change
Labour rights are a set of fundamental entitlements that protect workers from exploitation and ensure dignity at work. These rights include the right to safe and healthy working conditions, fair wages and benefits, freedom of association and collective bargaining, and protection against discrimination and forced labour. Climate change has begun to impact these rights in complex ways. It is creating unsafe working environments, particularly for those in agriculture, construction, and outdoor industries. Moreover, it is disrupting traditional industries, leading to job displacements and uncertainties about future employment opportunities. Climate change is also transforming the very nature of work, demanding new skills and adaptability from workers. Most importantly, it is widening inequalities, with marginalized groups such as women, migrants, and informal sector workers bearing the brunt of climate-induced vulnerabilities. Therefore, ensuring that labour rights are protected and adapted to the realities of a changing climate is vital for achieving both social and environmental justice.
Green Jobs: Opportunities and Challenges
Green jobs have emerged as a beacon of hope in the conversation about the future of work in a climate-impacted world. Defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as decent jobs that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment, green jobs play a critical role in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, minimizing waste and pollution, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, and adapting to climate change impacts. Green jobs are found across various sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, environmental engineering, waste management, and eco-friendly urban planning.
The shift towards a green economy offers tremendous opportunities for employment generation. The ILO estimates that efforts to limit global warming could result in a net gain of about 24 million jobs globally by 2030. Sectors such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable land management are expected to grow significantly, offering new avenues for employment and economic growth. Furthermore, the promotion of green jobs encourages sustainable economic development, reducing reliance on finite natural resources and avoiding the high costs associated with environmental degradation. In addition to economic benefits, green jobs offer workers a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction, especially among younger generations who prioritize contributing to societal good. The transition to a green economy also fosters innovation and drives the development of new skills related to green technologies, energy auditing, sustainable construction, and environmental risk management.
However, the green economy also presents significant challenges for labour rights. One major concern is the mismatch between the skills workers possess in traditional industries and the new skills required in green sectors. Workers employed in coal mining, oil extraction, or conventional manufacturing often lack the technical competencies needed for roles in renewable energy or sustainable infrastructure. Without large-scale investments in education, reskilling, and vocational training, many workers risk becoming permanently unemployed or underemployed. Additionally, the shift to green industries may not be geographically even, leading to regional disparities. Areas heavily dependent on carbon-intensive industries may face economic decline and job losses if alternative green industries are not developed locally.
Moreover, not all green jobs are guaranteed to be decent jobs. In many developing countries, workers in sectors like recycling operate under hazardous conditions, earning low wages with little to no social protection. The green economy, if left unregulated, could reproduce existing inequalities and exploitative practices. Gender and social inequalities are another area of concern. Women and marginalized communities are currently underrepresented in green sectors like renewable energy and green technology. Without proactive policies promoting inclusivity, the green transition could exacerbate existing social divides rather than bridge them. To address these challenges, the principle of a “Just Transition” becomes crucial. A Just Transition ensures that the move toward a greener economy is fair and inclusive, supporting workers through reskilling programs, social protections, and participatory decision-making processes. It aims to ensure that the benefits of the green economy are widely shared and that no worker is left behind.
Worker Safety in a Changing Climate
Climate change is not only transforming industries but also creating new risks and hazards in workplaces. Workers, particularly those engaged in outdoor, physical, and high-risk occupations, are facing unprecedented threats to their health and safety. One of the most immediate and severe threats is heat stress. Rising global temperatures mean that outdoor workers—such as farmers, construction workers, and delivery personnel—are increasingly exposed to dangerous levels of heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, kidney damage, and even death. In many cases, workers are forced to continue working in extreme heat due to economic necessity and lack of adequate workplace protections.
Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires also pose serious risks to worker safety. Workers in disaster-prone areas may be required to work in unstable, dangerous environments, often without proper safety equipment or training. For example, cleanup crews after floods or wildfires are frequently exposed to physical injuries, toxic chemicals, and infectious diseases. Air pollution, another consequence of climate change, exacerbates respiratory problems among workers, particularly those in construction, transportation, and industrial sectors. Poor air quality, intensified by wildfires and industrial emissions, increases the risk of asthma, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular conditions.
Furthermore, climate change-induced water scarcity presents significant hygiene and health challenges, especially for workers in remote areas. Lack of access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities increases vulnerability to waterborne diseases and reduces overall wellbeing. New diseases, facilitated by shifting climate patterns, such as dengue fever, malaria, and Lyme disease, are spreading to previously unaffected regions, posing new occupational health risks for workers. Certain sectors are particularly vulnerable. In agriculture, workers face exposure not only to extreme heat but also to pesticide toxicity and emerging pests. In construction, workers encounter increased risks from working at heights during storms or unstable weather conditions. Healthcare workers are also at risk, as they are at the frontline of treating climate-related injuries and diseases without necessarily having the appropriate training or equipment.
Despite the growing risks, existing occupational safety regulations often fail to address climate-specific hazards adequately. Few countries have developed comprehensive heat protection standards or mandatory work-rest cycles tailored to extreme temperatures. Disaster preparedness plans in many workplaces are inadequate and often fail to prioritize worker safety. Insurance systems and healthcare benefits are also ill-equipped to deal with new climate-related illnesses, leaving many workers vulnerable and unsupported.
To protect workers, it is critical to develop climate-responsive occupational safety standards that include mandatory protections against heat stress, provision of cooling breaks, access to shade and water, and employer accountability. Early warning systems and evacuation protocols must be established in workplaces located in disaster-prone areas. Workers should be provided with appropriate protective gear such as cooling vests, air filtration masks, and hydration resources. Access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare and insurance coverage must be ensured to address the health risks posed by climate change.
International Frameworks and Initiatives
Recognizing the interconnectedness of climate action and labour rights, international organizations are beginning to integrate these concerns into their frameworks. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been at the forefront of promoting the idea of “Decent Work for Sustainable Development,” linking environmental sustainability with fair labour practices. The ILO actively supports the development of Just Transition policies around the world, offering guidance and resources to governments and worker organizations.
Similarly, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) acknowledges the importance of safeguarding workers’ rights within climate action plans. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, explicitly references the need for a Just Transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs. Additionally, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 on promoting decent work and economic growth and Goal 13 on combating climate change, underscore the importance of addressing labour rights alongside environmental goals.
However, while these international commitments are crucial, their implementation at the national level remains inconsistent and slow. Many countries still lack integrated policies that simultaneously address climate action and labour protection, and more concerted efforts are needed to bridge this gap.
Recommendations
In order to effectively protect labour rights in the era of climate change, several key actions must be taken. First, governments must adopt climate-responsive labour legislation that explicitly includes protections against heat stress, disaster risks, and climate-related illnesses. Laws must be updated to reflect the new realities of climate risks in the workplace. Second, massive investments in green skills training and education are necessary to prepare workers for emerging opportunities in the green economy. Collaborative efforts between governments, educational institutions, and industries are essential to ensure that reskilling programs are accessible and effective.
Third, social safety nets must be strengthened to support workers who are displaced by climate policies. Unemployment benefits, income support, and access to healthcare must be expanded to cover those affected by transitions away from carbon-intensive industries. Fourth, inclusivity must be prioritized in the green economy. Special attention must be given to ensuring that women, indigenous communities, informal sector workers, and marginalized groups have equitable access to green job opportunities. Fifth, workers and their unions must be actively involved in policy-making processes related to climate and labour issues. Participatory governance is critical to ensuring that climate strategies reflect the real needs and experiences of workers. Finally, global cooperation is indispensable. Countries must collaborate to establish international standards that promote decent work in a climate-changed world and ensure that multinational supply chains uphold fair labour practices.
Conclusion
The challenge of climate change is not only environmental but also deeply social and economic. While the transition to a green economy presents unprecedented opportunities to create millions of new jobs and promote sustainable development, it also risks leaving many workers behind if their rights and needs are not adequately addressed. Worker safety is increasingly under threat due to new environmental hazards, and traditional labour protections must be adapted to meet these emerging challenges. Labour rights must be placed at the heart of climate action strategies to ensure a future that is not only greener but also fairer and more inclusive.
Building a future that protects both the planet and its workers will require bold leadership, collaborative action, and unwavering commitment to justice. Only by ensuring a Just Transition can we guarantee that no worker is sacrificed in the pursuit of environmental goals. The road ahead is challenging, but with the right policies and protections, a future of green, safe, and dignified work is within reach.
Name – Priya Kumari
Year / semester – 4th year B.A.LL.B(Hons.)
University – Lovely Professional University
