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The future of decent work: Forecasting heat stress and the intersection of sustainable development challenges in India's brick kilns

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  • Doreen S. Boyd
  • Bethany Jackson
  • Jessica Decker Sparks
  • Giles M. Foody
  • Renoy Girindran
  • Simon Gosling
  • Zoe Trodd
  • Laoise Ni Bhriain
  • Edgar Rodriguez‐Huerta

Abstract

The impacts of climate change‐induced heat stress on workers are most prevalent in sectors with decent work deficits and this requires consideration for sustainable development. This paper focuses on the informal economy of brick kilns in India, a sector reliant on piece‐rate payments to its migrant labour force. We forecast to 2050, through satellite mapping and climate modelling, the number of days with extreme heat, loss of labour capacity, and impact on annual brick production. The high spatial coincidence shown between kiln density and intensity of increase in the number of days of extreme heat, leading to a reduction in labour capacity and brick production, has implications for workers and supply chains. We suggest that as kilns, objects of sustainable development goal intersectionality, become more environmentally sustainable, monitored and regulated, labour, and health conditions should improve and adapting to decent work in the face of climate change becomes more achievable.

Suggested Citation

  • Doreen S. Boyd & Bethany Jackson & Jessica Decker Sparks & Giles M. Foody & Renoy Girindran & Simon Gosling & Zoe Trodd & Laoise Ni Bhriain & Edgar Rodriguez‐Huerta, 2025. "The future of decent work: Forecasting heat stress and the intersection of sustainable development challenges in India's brick kilns," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 3099-3117, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:2:p:3099-3117
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3272
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