Working at Boiling Point: The Regulation Heating Up the ESG Debate in Israel

In August 2026, severe data emerged from Europe revealing tens of thousands of heat-related deaths due to extreme summer heatwaves. This reality is not unique to Europe; in Israel, forecasts predict an average temperature rise of 3.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, turning climate change from a distant scenario into a present danger.  

This article highlights how the climate crisis (the 'E' in ESG) directly harms workers (the 'S'), and why proactive management and governance (the 'G') are no longer optional. Scientific evidence shows a clear, linear connection between heat stress and work accidents. On days with extreme heat, the risk of a workplace accident jumps by 23%, and this heightened danger lingers for days even after the heatwave ends. This risk heavily impacts outdoor workers in construction and agriculture, as well as industrial workers in factories without climate control. Furthermore, the burden disproportionately falls on vulnerable populations, including low-wage earners and foreign workers, while corporate boards often maintain a "blind spot" regarding these direct health risks to their employees.  

However, the regulatory landscape is shifting. A new draft regulation in Israel outlines concrete requirements for managing work during heatwaves, including mandatory safety plans, designated rest areas, and strict reporting protocols. For organizations, adapting to these guidelines early is not just a regulatory burden, but a strategic opportunity for corporate leadership that ultimately saves money, reduces legal risk, and protects human lives.

To read the full article, visit our website in Hebrew.