A new research note warns that rising temperatures could cut apparel export earnings by up to USD 65.8 billion and result in one million fewer new jobs by 2030 in key producing countries. The findings, presented during the final UNEP Cool Talk of 2025, highlight how heat stress is already disrupting the USD 1.77 trillion apparel industry, which employs around 90 million workers globally.
The study, titled The Heat is On, was developed by Cornell University’s Global Labor Institute and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with input from the International Labour Organization’s Better Work team. It examines how extreme heat and flooding are affecting factory operations, worker health, and global supply chains. According to the research, even moderate increases in wet bulb temperatures can significantly reduce productivity, with a 1.5% drop in output for every one-degree Celsius rise above 25 °C.
Marisofi Giannouli, Communications Lead of the UNEP Cool Coalition, placed the research in the context of post-COP30 developments, citing the launch of the Beat the Heat initiative and the second Cooling Ministerial as key moments in advancing sustainable cooling. “What we are seeing now is a coalition of the willing,” she said, “moving forward with solutions that are grounded in evidence, delivered locally, and scaled through collective action.”
VF Corporation’s Jens Aas described how his company is integrating climate adaptation into supply chain management, including temperature thresholds, ventilation standards, and worker training on heat-stress prevention. He noted ongoing initiatives in high-risk countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia to ensure safe drinking water and modified work-rest schedules during extreme heat.
IFC’s Global Cooling Lead, Rusmir Musić, presented the Sustainable Cooling Initiative’s 5×5 approach, supporting cooling solutions across sectors like manufacturing and cold chains. With support from the UK Government, the initiative offers technical assistance, financing, and tools such as EDGE certification and the Building Resilience Index to help firms manage climate risks.
Providing a national perspective, Lun Lido of Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment said the country is prioritising sustainable cooling through its Climate Change Strategic Plan, NDC 3.0, and National Cooling Action Plan. Pilot projects have shown that passive cooling can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 7 °C, informing new building regulations and procurement strategies.
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