Heat conditions are worsening for fashion workers amid climate change
Extreme heat and flooding exacerbated by climate change are impacting the health and safety of garment workers in global fashion supply chains, with many already enduring tough working conditions.
Louise Donovan, Snigdha Poonam, and Albert Oppong-Ansah report for Grist.
In short:
- Workers in fashion's supply chain, especially women, are grappling with dangerous heat and flooding, made worse by climate change.
- Unsafe working conditions are prevalent, with inadequate ventilation, extreme temperatures, and often unclean water.
- Industry efforts have focused more on reducing environmental impact than on ensuring safe conditions for vulnerable workers.
Key quote:
"Workers are suffering from heat stress, from flooding, from water pollution … and we need to protect [them] from that as well."
— Liz Parker, Clean Clothes Campaign
Why this matters:
Advocates say fashion brands must do more to address the climate change-driven threats that endanger the health of workers who produce their garments. Providing safe working conditions not only safeguards these essential workers but also reinforces ethical practices across the global supply chain. Read more: Farmworkers’ vicious cycle of precarious employment, exploitation and climate change
