Climate change impacts public health and labor productivity

Climate change is increasingly impacting public health and labor productivity, particularly in Italy. Experts warn that rising temperatures and urban heat islands are linked to higher risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. A report from the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change suggests that temperatures in Turin could rise by approximately 2 degrees between 2021 and 2050, potentially increasing mortality rates from ischemic heart disease, strokes, and metabolic disorders.

Beyond direct health risks, extreme heat poses a significant threat to the global workforce. According to the International Labour Organization, over 2.4 billion workers worldwide are exposed to excessive heat, contributing to millions of annual workplace injuries and thousands of deaths. The World Health Organization and the World Meteorological Organization have identified heat stress as a global social challenge that affects various sectors, including agriculture, construction, and transport, by altering the material conditions of production and increasing physical risks to employees.