Adapting to Climate Change: Heat Risks and Coping

Strategies for Agricultural Workers in Guatemala

Abstract

Climate change is an increasingly urgent global issue that continues to escalate, with rising temperatures and
unpredictable weather patterns impacting regions around the world. These changes have altered ecosystems,
disrupted communities, and intensified natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. Though climate
change affects everyone, vulnerable communities, particularly those in low-income and rural areas, are impacted
disproportionately. These populations not only experience some of the most severe consequences but often lack the
attention, resources, and infrastructure needed to adapt and mitigate these challenges effectively.
In Guatemala, agriculture plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many families. However, the effects of
extreme heat and unpredictable weather patterns put intense pressure on these workers. These changes threaten not
only food security but also the health and well-being of those who rely on agriculture for their income.
This study examines the heat-related challenges agricultural workers face in rural Guatemala, focusing on
how rising temperatures impact their health and livelihood. Additionally, it aims to gather personal viewpoints on
potential measures that could be implemented to better protect workers from these risks. Through a survey that
collects demographic details, experiences with heat exposure, existing medical conditions, and coping mechanisms,
this research seeks to better understand the personal viewpoints on the risks posed by climate change.