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The Next Urgent Health Challenge: Building a Climate Resilient Workforce
Understanding the Threat The World Health Organization has said that our climate “is the single biggest health threat” facing humanity, jeopardizing the health of workers and reducing productivity. In fact, almost half of the U.S. workforce – 65 million people – face climate-related health risks, including dangerous air quality and extreme heat.
Engaging Leaders According to Mercer’s Inside Employees’ Minds study, nearly a fifth of employees say climate change has already impacted their health or the health of a family member, and another 44% are concerned about the potential impact on their health and safety. Yet only 17% of business leaders feel prepared to address this issue.
Taking Action In partnership with a diverse group of experts from public health, climate, labor and academia, we are calling on business leaders to come together to form the National Commission on Climate and Workforce Health. Our mission is to help organizations mitigate the impact of this health crisis on their workforces through new approaches to better assess risk and adapt their operations.
A majority of Americans (64%) say they are at least “somewhat worried” about our climate with nearly half thinking they will be harmed (44%) or that their family will be harmed (48%).
A majority of Americans (64%) say they are at least “somewhat worried” about our climate with nearly half thinking they will be harmed (44%) or that their family will be harmed (48%).