02 May 2016 – The Philippines, as chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), called for international action to protect workers from heat-related stresses due to climate change in a panel discussion co-organized with organizations such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), UN Development Program, International Organization for Migration (IOM), and World Health Organization (WHO).

“The impact of heat in the workplace adds another layer of vulnerability to developing countries that are already reeling from the adverse impacts of climate change. Excessive heat puts exposed working populations at greater risk from heat-induced stresses and undermine growth by compromising productivity,” said Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Offices in Geneva.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Rebong pointed out the results of a new study revealing that health risks and accidental injuries were common in vulnerable countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America; that some of the most affected sectors were agriculture, manufacturing and construction; and that potential loss in productivity could cost more than USD $2 trillion a year by 2030.

“Vulnerable groups need significant support to tackle rising heat in the workplace, but there are also limits and costs associated with adapting to the heat. All of these underscore the urgent and critical need to limit global warming to the minimum in accordance with the goals, including the 1.5 C goal, set out in the Paris Agreement,” she added in a separate statement.

Other panellists included the IOM, which recalled studies showing how climate change contributed to migration; the WHO, which hailed the Paris Agreement on climate change that was signed in New York on 22 April 2016 as the biggest health-related agreement so far; and representatives from workers’ groups and employers’ organizations that, together with governments, formed the backbone of tripartite cooperation within the ILO.

The Philippines is the current President of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, a group of 43 developing countries that are most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Its main goals include awareness-raising about climate change and exchanging of related information and best practices.

The panel discussion took place on the occasion of the International Workers Memorial Day. "As we remember workers who perished, we also pay them tribute by drawing attention to an important but overlooked issue that can ultimately improve workplace conditions and contribute to overall wellbeing and health," said Ambassador Rebong. END