Bangladesh’s garment workers, a vital component of the country’s economy, are facing escalating risks from extreme heat exacerbated by climate change, according to a recent study by Cornell University’s Global Labor Institute. The report highlights that workers in major garment manufacturing hubs, including Dhaka, are increasingly exposed to hazardous conditions as global temperatures rise.
The findings reveal a staggering 42 per cent increase in the number of days with “wet-bulb” temperatures—an index that combines air temperature with humidity—exceeding 30.5 degrees Celsius during the period of 2020-2024 compared to 2005-2009. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) recommends that workers be given as much rest as work in any hour when temperatures reach this threshold to avoid health risks.
The report raises alarms about the legal responsibilities of multinational retailers and brands, including major players like H&M and Nike, who are now held accountable for the working conditions in their supplier factories due to new European Union regulations. These rules, which came into effect in July, will begin applying to large companies by mid-2027, compelling them to take action against unsafe working conditions linked to excessive heat.
Despite the mounting pressure, only three retailers—Nike, Levi’s, and VF Corp—have established specific protocols in their supplier codes of conduct to safeguard workers from heat-related illnesses. Jason Judd, executive director at the Global Labor Institute, emphasized that brands must act when they are aware of excessively high temperatures impacting worker health.
Potential solutions for mitigating heat stress in factories include improved ventilation and water evaporative cooling systems, which are less energy-intensive compared to conventional air conditioning. Judd noted that many factory owners might be inclined to invest in these improvements as heat stress significantly hampers productivity. However, the onus is also on the brands to address the issue.
The report further advocates for increased wages and health protections for workers, enabling them to better cope with the risks posed by heatwaves. With projections indicating that extreme heat and flooding could lead to a loss of $65 billion in apparel export earnings from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Vietnam by 2030, the need for immediate action is more critical than ever.
