Ha Noi, 18 June 2026 – A new study released today finds that heatwaves are becoming more frequent, prolonged and intense in Viet Nam, posing growing risks to the health, income and livelihoods of outdoor workers. Nearly all surveyed workers (94%) reported experiencing at least one heat-related health problem while working in extreme heat, while almost one in five reported suffering more than four heat-related health conditions. Heatwaves also impose adaptation costs on 66.2% of workers surveyed and reduce the income of 46.4% of respondents.

The study further reveals significant gaps in social protection coverage for workers most exposed to extreme heat. More than 41% of outdoor workers surveyed reported never having received any form of State support. Among those who had received support, most assistance was limited to emergency relief rather than preventive or long-term protection measures, underscoring the need for a more anticipatory and climate-responsive social protection system.

Analysis of temperature records from 156 meteorological stations across Viet Nam between 1961 and 2025 confirms a robust and accelerating warming trend, characterized not only by rising average temperatures but also by a significant increase in the frequency, intensity and geographical extent of extreme heat events. These trends are particularly concerning in large urban areas, where rapid urbanization, the urban heat-island effect, air pollution and the concentration of informal employment increase workers’ exposure and vulnerability.

The research “Adaptive Social Protection for Workers Exposed to Heatwaves” was conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Development under the National Economics University, in collaboration with UNDP in Viet Nam. Guided by the Adaptive Social Protection framework, the study combines a policy review, international good practices, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and a survey of 734 outdoor workers in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. 

In her opening remarks at the dissemination workshop, Francesca Nardini, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Viet Nam, emphasized that heatwaves are becoming a structural threat to workers’ lives and livelihoods. 

“We believe that social protection is one of the strongest tools for building resilience, protecting workers not only against traditional economic and life-cycle shocks, but increasingly and importantly - against climate risks,” she said.

Speaking at the workshop, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Duc Tho, President of the National Economics University, highlighted the importance of recognizing heatwaves as an emerging social protection challenge. 

“Extreme heat is no longer only a weather or environmental issue, but is gradually becoming a new social protection risk, directly affecting the health, employment, income and quality of life of workers exposed to heat,” he said.

The study shows that Viet Nam has developed a multi-tiered and inclusive social protection system, but it remains insufficiently adapted to emerging climate risks and changing labour market realities. Informal workers, gig workers and migrant workers are often excluded from existing protection mechanisms. Existing policies related to heatwaves remain fragmented, indirect and relatively low on the policy agenda. 

“Heatwaves are becoming a social protection issue, not only an environmental or public health concern,” said Professor Dr. Le Quang Canh, project lead. “Outdoor workers are among those most exposed to rising temperatures, yet many remain outside formal protection mechanisms. Strengthening social protection is essential to ensure that no one is left behind in the face of climate change.”

The findings also point to a significant implementation gap for informal outdoor workers. Many workers remain outside formal social protection mechanisms and rely primarily on self-coping measures, such as changing working hours, taking informal rest breaks, seeking shade or receiving support from local communities and small businesses. 

The report identifies a “reverse social protection” dynamic, where the burden of risk management is shifted from the state to the individual for their own safety, exposing a critical gap in formal safety nets. Under this dynamic, the most vulnerable and marginalized workers must bear the greatest responsibility. This is particularly concerning for informal, migrant and female workers, who often face unstable incomes, limited insurance coverage and lower access to formal support. 

Participants at the workshop emphasized that addressing heatwave risks requires collaboration across sectors and disciplines.

“The solution for heatwave-related risks must involves multiple stakeholders, the architects can draw the ideal public structure but there is much effort to bring it to the workers in need,” said architect Tran Minh Tuan, member of the association of architect in Ha Noi.

Associate Professor, Pham Ngoc Linh, vice president of Viet Nam Union of Science and Technology Association (VUSTA), stressed the importance of mobilizing existing networks and expertise to support a coordinated response to heatwave risks.  

The study proposes a set of recommendations organized around four functions of Adaptive Social Protection: protection, prevention, promotion and transformation. 

In the short term, local authorities should consider developing public cooling centres, drinking water stations and Water–Rest–Shade infrastructure for outdoor workers. Forecast-based assistance linked to heatwave warnings could also be explored, with particular attention to migrant and female workers.

Preventive measures include strengthening heatwave risk forecasting, developing temperature-based response protocols, providing practical guidance to workers and employers, and introducing stronger occupational safety standards for outdoor work during extreme heat.

To support livelihood adaptation, the study recommends vocational training and retraining, preferential credit for heat-protective equipment, and support for occupational transition towards jobs less affected by heatwaves. It also highlights the need to recognize and institutionalize the role of local communities in supporting workers during periods of extreme heat.

In the longer term, the report recommends developing a National Action Plan for responding to heatwaves. Such a plan could help reduce policy fragmentation, strengthen coordination and provide a framework for integrating social protection into climate adaptation. The study also calls for better data on outdoor workers exposed to heatwaves, including integration with existing population, health insurance and labour databases, as well as further research on the socio-economic impacts of heatwaves.

The workshop provided a platform for participants to discuss how Viet Nam can move from reactive support towards anticipatory, preventive and adaptive social protection. Participants also emphasized the importance of coordination among government agencies, local authorities, research institutions, development partners, employers and communities.

By strengthening climate-responsive social protection for workers most exposed to heatwaves, Viet Nam can enhance climate resilience, reduce inequality and support inclusive and sustainable development in a warming climate.

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For more information, please contact:

Nguyen Viet Lan, UNDP Communications Lead, nguyen.viet.lan@undp.org.