Guest column: 2023 was hottest year on record, and lack of climate plan is killing American workers - NOLA.com

Guest column: 2023 was hottest year on record, and lack of climate plan is killing American workers | Opinions and Editorials | nola.com

Scientists have reported that 2023 was the hottest year on record, and projections for 2024 may continue that record-breaking trend.

Unprecedented heat waves, flooding and wildfires have occurred across the globe. Americans were not spared from the effects of the climate crisis either — with many Americans dying from extreme heat. Several coastal states have a climate adaptation plan in place, but for a majority of U.S. states, there’s been little progress. With the possibility of staying under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming unlikely, climate adaptation measures are important in order to reduce the number of deaths under potential future climate scenarios, especially in at-risk populations.

The elderly, young children, pregnant people, homeless people and outdoor laborers are some of the most at-risk populations during extreme heat events. Over 700 people die each year due to heat-related illnesses.

Currently, there are no federal protections for outdoor workers in extreme heat events, and only three states(none of which are Louisiana) have any type of statewide heat adaptation standards in place. According to researchers, adaptation measures could r educe heat-related deaths significantly.

The Louisiana Department of Health encourages residents to avoid unnecessary exposure to heat and sun, while also drinking water often and wearing loose, light-fitting clothing. However, outdoor workers do not get this same consideration. Simple adaptation measures for outdoor workers may include mandatory rest and water breaks, altered working hours during the hottest parts of the day and acclimatization plans for new workers so they can gradually adjust to working in higher temperatures.

In 2021, the Biden administration introduced several potential initiatives for extreme heat protection of outdoor workers to be included in OSHA’s future occupational hazards planning. Some major companies, such as Walmart and Disney, are beginning to consider heat risks and their economic impact.

Mandi Beavers

Several states are currently creating a state-led adaptation plan. However, a majority of states do not have and are not currently planning any climate adaptation plan, let alone one that will protect outdoor workers subjected to extreme heat.

Louisiana introduced two adaptation measures in its 2022 climate action plan: 1) increase the resilience of the built and natural environment and 2) increase the resilience of communities. Despite the state’s climate action plan recognizing that outdoor workers face increased health risks due to extreme heat, the current adaptation plans do little to protect them.

The climate crisis is killing American workers, and many states still need to create climate adaptation plans that protect workers and other at-risk populations.

According to the EPA, Louisiana will become warmer, with excessively hot days (over 95°F) leading to an increased risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.

In order to facilitate change, it’s important to write to your representatives, attend public forums and town halls, contact your governor and educate other residents on the importance of climate adaptation plans that directly impact your own community.

Individuals have the most influence on the people around them, so focusing efforts on your own communities has the highest chance of success.