Around 55% of workers across the European Union are exposed to climate-related risks such as extreme heat, air pollution, and UV radiation, according to figures published by the EU Parliament.
Work-related accidents and illnesses already cost the EU economy approximately €476 billion, and climate change is expected to increase the share of this burden stemming from extreme weather.
In Malta, this challenge is being addressed through an innovative AI-driven initiative. The SHIELD project, led by Climate Delta and supported by Xjenza Malta, will use Marsalforn, Gozo as its pilot site to model how climate hazards directly affect businesses and workers in a defined locality.
By focusing on Marsalforn, researchers aim to generate detailed, actionable data that can later be scaled nationally, providing companies with a clearer picture of their exposure and resilience. Productivity can drop by up to 3% for every 1°C above 20°C, while globally 2.4 billion workers face excessive heat exposure. SHIELD seeks to provide a practical tool for integrating climate risks into financial and operational planning.
The Occupational Health and Safety Authority’s mandatory extreme-weather regulations announced in February, further acknowledge the urgency for data-driven solutions to protect workers and businesses alike.
