Impact of AI and Climate Change on Labour and Industry in India with Relation to Labour Laws.

Abstract

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) and climate change are two transformative forces reshaping labour and industry in India. As AI-driven automation advances across sectors such as manufacturing and retail, concerns regarding job displacement and workforce restructuring have emerged. Low-skilled workers are particularly vulnerable to job loss, while AI-powered platforms have contributed to the rise of the gig economy, raising challenges related to employment security, wages, and social protections. Simultaneously, the demand for highly skilled workers is increasing, necessitating a focus on upskilling programs like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. However, existing labour laws, including the Factories Act of 1948, are outdated, prompting the need for regulatory reforms. New labour codes like the Code on Wages, 2019, offer some updates, yet further adjustments are necessary to address AI-driven shifts. In parallel, climate change is disrupting traditional labour sectors, particularly agriculture, where erratic weather patterns, floods, and droughts result in job losses and workforce migration to urban areas. The emergence of green jobs in renewable energy and environmental sectors offers potential for growth, yet health and safety concerns are rising due to extreme weather conditions in labour-intensive industries. Current labour regulations, such as the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, require enhancement to accommodate these climate-induced risks. Additionally, corporate sustainability initiatives are intersecting with labour practices, demanding a rethinking of corporate responsibility within the environmental context. Key labour law reforms are essential to address the dual impacts of AI and climate change. These reforms include redefining employment to recognize gig, platform, and climate-vulnerable workers, enhancing health and safety standards, and promoting continuous reskilling to facilitate worker transitions to new roles. As India navigates the evolving workforce, a balance must be struck between automation and human labour, with a focus on ensuring a just transition to a green economy. The future of labour in India will depend on proactive government policies and corporate responsibility to ensure fair, sustainable labour practices in an era of rapid technological and environmental change. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Climate Change, Labour Laws, Automation, Job Displacement, Gig Economy, Skill Gap, Reskilling, Health and Safety, Green Jobs, Sustainability, Labour Codes, Employment Redefinition, Occupational Safety, Just Transition, India Labour Industry.