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Working Under the Sun: The Role of Occupation in Temperature-Related Mortality in Mexico

Author

Listed:
  • Bressler, R. Daniel

    (Columbia University)

  • Papp, Anna

    (Columbia University)

  • Sarmiento, Luis

    (Bank of Mexico)

  • Shrader, Jeffrey G.

    (Columbia University)

  • Wilson, Andrew J.

    (Stanford University)

Abstract

We investigate how occupation influences the relationship between temperature and mortality in Mexico. Using multiple decades of nationwide death records---which include information on occupation---linked to local weather data, we find that heat-related mortality risk varies sharply by occupation. Young adults in climate-exposed jobs, especially in agriculture, experience significantly higher death rates from warm and hot temperatures. A 15 to 24 year-old agricultural worker is over 10 times more likely to die from heat exposure than a peer in professional or managerial employment, underscoring the role of occupation in climate vulnerability. These findings show that the burden of extreme heat disproportionately falls on the working poor. Our results suggest that implementing occupational safety measures and targeted heat adaptation policies (such as mandatory rest breaks and early warnings for outdoor workers) are essential to protect vulnerable workers. Furthermore, ongoing economic shifts away from highly exposed sectors may reduce increases in heat-related mortality due to climate change.

Suggested Citation

  • Bressler, R. Daniel & Papp, Anna & Sarmiento, Luis & Shrader, Jeffrey G. & Wilson, Andrew J., 2025. "Working Under the Sun: The Role of Occupation in Temperature-Related Mortality in Mexico," IZA Discussion Papers 17759, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
  • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17759
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    health; occupation; climate; temperature; mortality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • J81 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Working Conditions
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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