About the research project

Precarious outdoor workers in urban areas of the global South are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. These individuals—street vendors, construction workers, porters, and motorbike taxi drivers—are the backbone of city economies, ensuring their smooth operation. However, they face significant challenges, including job insecurity, limited social protection, and pre-existing hardships now worsened by climate change, such as rising temperatures, heatwaves, and flooding.

Despite their high exposure, the specific nature of their vulnerabilities is poorly understood, and policy responses remain insufficient. This project seeks to shed light on the often-overlooked health risks and vulnerabilities faced by these workers in Vietnam, a rapidly urbanising nation with a large informal labour sector.

Through a multi-stakeholder approach, we aim to co-create a robust evidence base that transforms our understanding of the risks faced by outdoor urban workers. This co-constructed approach not only highlights their vulnerabilities but also equips Vietnamese policymakers with the tools and insights needed to design responsive, worker-centred interventions tailored to their conditions and needs.