Over half the workforce in Asia and the Pacific works in informal sectors, which are highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. However, the ongoing discourses on Loss and Damage (L&D) often overlook the specific climate-induced impacts suffered by these workers. There is a significant data and knowledge gap regarding the extent of climate-induced losses and damages suffered by low-skilled and informal workers. This policy brief examines the impacts of climate change on workers across the following sectors: agriculture, factory, textile, mining, and construction, and brifely touches upon formal sectors like health and aid providers. By focusing on seven countries in South and Southeast Asia – Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and India – we aim to shed light on the key challenges faced by workers and propose measures to protect them from climate-related losses and damages. Through a comprehensive analysis of documented evidence on losses and damages experienced by workers, this brief aims to explore ways to ensure justice for them in the actively unfolding climate L&D policy debate, both within and outside the UNFCCC domain.

Full policy brief can be found here: Ensuring Climate Justice for Workers in South and Southeast Asia.