Heatwave Hits Informal Sectors, South Asia Workers Demand 'Polluters Pay' For Lost Income

Amid a deadly South Asia heatwave, over ten worker groups spanning India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal have united under a 'Polluters Pay Pact'. They are urging governments to levy new taxes on oil, coal and gas corporations to finance climate solutions and aid affected communities globally.

A Greenpeace India report, 'Ground Zero', highlighted the severe impact on Delhi's informal workers, revealing up to a 19 per cent income loss for every 1 degrees Celsius temperature rise, potentially reaching 40 per cent due to extreme heat. Simultaneously, medical expenses increase by around 14 per cent. The report noted a significant drop in daily earnings for street vendors, fluctuating between Rs 300 - Rs 1200 from a previous average of Rs 1000.

Marking International Workers’ Day, South Asian workers participated in 'Sarees for Solidarity', inscribing messages about extreme weather impacts and their demands on sarees. These messages, addressing the responsibility of oil and gas corporations, will be presented at COP30 in Brazil.

In New Delhi, the Workers’ Collective for Climate Justice - South Asia was launched, a coalition of worker groups and civil society organizations like YODDHA and the Joint Hawker Action Committee. They aim to address the growing threats posed by extreme weather, exacerbated by the fossil fuel industry.

Workers emphasised the urgent need for cooling centers, shade, water, and medical care. They condemned the injustice of outdoor workers suffering while oil executives remain in air-conditioned comfort, demanding the "polluter pays" principle be applied. Greenpeace India echoed this, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on informal workers and advocating for taxes on Big Oil to fund adaptation measures. They also highlighted the industry's attempts to silence climate activism, citing a lawsuit against Greenpeace. Despite such intimidation, the movement remains resolute in holding polluters accountable.