ESG Insider: US proposes rule to protect workers facing extreme heat
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The US Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a new rule aimed at protecting about 36 million workers from the health risks of extreme heat, amid widespread heat advisories across the east coast and record high temperatures in the western states.
Under the proposal, employers would develop an injury and illness prevention plan for heat hazards. Additional requirements, such as rest breaks and access to drinking water, would kick in when temperatures exceed 90 degrees F. "Workers all over the country are passing out, suffering heat stroke and dying from heat exposure from just doing their jobs, and something must be done to protect them," OSHA Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker said in a news release.
The US Environmental Protection Agency recently released a US Climate Change Indicators report that includes a section exploring how climate change is causing more frequent heatwaves. The report finds that extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the US and notes that outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable.
In this week’s newsletter, we turn to the start of the hurricane season as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Texas. We also explore BlackRock's new climate investment and voting policy for European funds, and we look at how Vietnam is set to allow renewable energy developers to sell power directly to customers.
In this week’s ESG Insider podcast, we explore key themes from the GreenFin 24 conference, including how the focus on data, disclosures and advancing the low-carbon transition in emerging markets is driving an evolution in the role of sustainability professionals.
Chart of the Week
Hurricane Beryl lands on the Texas Gulf Coast, cuts power to nearly 2.8 million
Hurricane Beryl barreled into the Texas Gulf Coast early July 8, cutting power to nearly 2.8 million customers in a region stretching from San Antonio Bay northeast to the Louisiana state line, S&P Global Commodity Insights reports.
Vietnam approves direct power purchase agreement mechanism for renewables projects
The Vietnamese government has approved a direct power purchase agreement mechanism that allows renewable energy developers to sell electricity directly to consumers, S&P Global Commodity Insights reports.
BlackRock issues new investment, voting policy for climate-focused clients
The world's largest asset manager, BlackRock, published updated decarbonization investment guidelines July 2 and earmarked $150 billion in funds that will be screened for energy transition risks and opportunities, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence.
NGOs call for corporate climate targets to exclude carbon credits
More than 80 nongovernmental organizations have called for corporates to exclude carbon offsets from their transition plans, saying the offsets delay concrete climate action, S&P Global Commodity Insights reports.
Podcast
At GreenFin, a focus on the evolving role of sustainability professionals In this episode of the ESG Insider podcast, we explore key themes from the GreenFin 24 conference, including developments in tracking emissions data, how banks are viewing energy transition opportunities and how the role of sustainability professionals and accountants is changing as the space evolves. >>Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or YouTube Music
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