Extreme heat forces night work for farmers, fishers

Scorching temperatures worldwide are driving farmers and fishers to work overnight, creating new physical and social challenges.

Ayurella Horn-Muller reports for Grist.

In short:

• Rising heat levels make daytime work dangerous for agricultural workers globally, forcing many to shift to overnight hours.
• Night work leads to health risks, disrupts social routines reduces productivity, especially for women who balance work and family.
• Studies predict heat stress will worsen, with 39% of the global population facing unsafe working hours by 2050 without emission reductions.

Key quote:

“The heat affects every life, every thing.”

— Bhavana Rabari, pastoralist advocate in Gujarat, India

Why this matters:

As climate change intensifies, outdoor workers face mounting health risks, forcing adaptations that threaten livelihoods and traditions. Night shifts may offer temporary relief, but they pose health and social consequences, especially for vulnerable communities. Without addressing fossil fuel emissions, these challenges will worsen.

Related: Florida's farmworkers face a new challenge as state bans heat protections