Summary of research
Climate change will increasingly impact workers’ health, safety and productivity through rising temperatures and extreme weather. This report identifies both the risks posed by climate change and the opportunities to strengthen workforce resilience. The report is a literature review that draws on existing research, and incorporates modelled estimates of workforce exposed to climate change risks now and over the next 40 years. The findings are relevant for frontline workers, policymakers, planners, unions and industry stakeholders, and can be used by government, business, industry and NGOs to undertake their own climate risk assessment for their workforce.
The report was developed as part of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan 2025-2029. Expert advice and reviews were also provided by SafeWork NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and researchers at La Trobe University.
