Migrant workers toil in perilous heat to prepare for Cop28 climate talks in UAE
Migrant workers in Dubai have been working in dangerously hot temperatures to get conference facilities ready for world leaders attending this year’s Cop28 climate talks, according to a new investigation...
According to visual evidence and testimonies obtained by researchers, the migrants were toiling in extreme heat and humidity on two separate days last month during the “midday ban” – a UAE law banning outdoor work during the hottest hours over the summer months to protect outdoor workers from heat exposure which can be fatal.
“Of course, I get headaches and feel dizzy. Everyone in this heat does. This weather isn’t for humans, I think,” one worker said.
Another added: “Last week, I thought I would die every second we were outside … but we have to get paid.”...
“The story of migrant workers in the Gulf region is a story of climate injustice,” said Amali Tower, executive director of the non-profit Climate Refugees.
A Cop28 spokesperson said the contractors had denied the alleged violations and an internal investigation found no evidence that the midday summer ban had been violated...
According to FairSquare’s report one worksite supervisor told researchers: “The project has to finish in time. Cop28 is just weeks away. Most of the work only takes place at night anyways, but some work has to take place whenever it can. There is no time, we have to finish.”...
A Cop28 spokesperson said contractors were required to have worker heat safety plans and weather stations that monitor the Thermal Work Limit, taking into account heat and humidity metrics including wet and dry bulb temperature and wind speed. “Cop28 works very closely with Expo City Dubai, and have every confidence in its robust worker welfare policies and procedures.”