Working through the heat: How Bengaluru’s gig workers are bearing the cost of rising temperatures

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Gig workers are vulnerable to extreme heat because they spend most of the time travelling outside and are exposed to severe heat conditions. This causes various health risks such as dehydration, headaches, heat stroke, heat rashes and exacerbate co-morbidities. According to the NITI AYOG report 2022, the gig workforce is estimated to grow around 23.5 million workers by 2029-30. This rapidly growing workforce requires protection from climate risks.

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As India’s cities grow hotter, gig workers remain on the frontlines of climate exposure, without recognition as workers, and without protection from the heat. Unless policy frameworks evolve to address climate risks, the burden of urban heat will continue to fall on those least equipped to bear it.

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