In the next six years, Africa may witness a reduction of more than two hours in working hours due to heat stress caused by climate change, posing significant challenges to the labor market and overall economies.

This global phenomenon is expected to impact workable hours in various regions, rendering some areas too hot for productive work.

During a recent presentation on climate change and just-transition at a media sensitization program in Accra, the National Project Coordinator of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Gideon Mankralo, highlighted the worsening global situation.

He predicted that by 2030, rising temperatures could lead to work restrictions, with authorities in some countries, such as Ghana, considering measures like prohibiting work between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Mr. Mankralo emphasized the severe repercussions on industries like agriculture and construction, stressing the urgency of implementing the National Green Jobs Strategy to address the imminent challenge. “So, by 2030, temperatures are going to rise so high that we cannot go to work in the afternoons, and the Ministry of Labour, TUC, workers will come out and say for Ghana between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. nobody should come out to work,” he said.

He urged the promotion of green jobs, emphasizing the connection between 1.2 billion jobs and ecosystem services, warning that climate change effects could lead to substantial job losses, such as 86 million jobs if fisheries collapsed.

The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), aimed to enhance journalists' understanding of the Green and Circular economy. It emphasized the crucial role of media in promoting and creating green jobs.

The National Green Jobs strategy, initiated in 2016, aligns with the country's commitment to National Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Gloria Bortele Noi, the Director of Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at MELR, stressed the importance of citizen awareness about climate change. She called for media involvement in educating the public on climate change issues and the necessity for a just transition. Ms. Noi emphasized that creating green job opportunities is a shared responsibility, requiring policy alignment, coordination, green skills development, and support for green enterprises.