During the summer of 2022, I was part of a 16-member crew conducting trail maintenance in California’s Trinity Alps. Living in tents and working outdoors, we were impacted by smoke from nearby forest fires despite wearing masks. Our supervisor, visibly emotional, eventually had to evacuate us for safety.
Fast forward to 2024, the Park Fire ravaged acres of forest, destroying over 600 structures and engulfing the region in smoke. With 2023 being the hottest year on record, the urgent need for climate action is clearer than ever.
Climate laborers, from firefighters to farmers, play a crucial role in combatting climate change. With 2.4 billion workers facing health risks due to climate impacts, it’s imperative to ensure their safety and well-being.
As extreme weather events intensify, the need for safety measures and job security for climate workers grows. Enhancing worker protections, such as health insurance and paid leave during unsafe conditions, is essential to sustain the workforce fighting the climate crisis.
While progress is being made in implementing climate worker protections, challenges remain. Advocacy for these safeguards is crucial to ensure the health and safety of those at the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Ian Hunt is a recent graduate from the Columbia Climate School’s MA in Climate and Society Program.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Columbia Climate School, Earth Institute, or Columbia University.
