Rising global temperatures are not only threatening human health but also undermining workers’ productivity worldwide, according to a new joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Heatwaves Taking a Toll on Labour
With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, outdoor and manual workers face increased risks of heatstroke, dehydration, kidney dysfunction, and other heat-related illnesses. The report warns that productivity drops by 2% to 3% for every degree above 20°C.
“Protecting workers from extreme heat is not just a health imperative but an economic necessity,” said Ko Barrett, WMO’s deputy secretary-general.
Not Just the Tropics
The impact is not confined to equatorial regions. Nearly half the world’s population is now experiencing the effects of climate change, with industries such as construction, agriculture, and fisheries among the hardest hit.
Workers in high temperatures tend to slow down and make more errors, explained Andreas Flouris, the report’s main editor. He added that while the dangers of heat are well known, the risks are escalating faster than expected.
Proposed Solutions
To protect workers, the WHO and WMO recommend measures such as:
- Adjusting work hours to avoid the midday sun.
- Encouraging flexible schedules, such as starting earlier or finishing later during hot periods.
- Considering the adoption of siesta-style breaks, even in regions of Europe not traditionally accustomed to them.
The British Safety Council has already urged UK employers to implement flexible schedules during heatwaves.
Economic Fallout
Beyond health risks, the economic cost is significant. A 2021 Atlantic Council report estimated that the US alone could lose $100 billion annually due to heat-induced productivity losses.
As global warming accelerates, experts warn that without adaptation, the combined toll on health, society, and the economy will continue to rise sharply.
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