Overview

• WHO and WMO say roughly half of the global population already experiences harmful effects from high temperatures.
• The report, citing ILO estimates, attributes about 22–23 million work accidents and roughly 19,000 deaths each year to extreme heat.
• Productivity falls by around 2–3% for each degree above about 20°C, underscoring the economic case for prevention.
• Risks are highest in agriculture, construction and fishing, while indoor workers in poorly ventilated settings, older adults, children and low‑income communities also face significant danger.
• Recommended actions include shifting work and school hours, increasing breaks, providing shade and drinking water, improving ventilation or cooling, adopting suitable clothing and training first responders, with coordinated roles for employers, workers, schools and authorities.