Extreme Heat to Lower Labour Productivity in Cyprus, with Adverse Economic Impacts Featured
The frequency and intensity of extreme heat events are increasing in Cyprus, as in the rest of the world, heightening the health risks and productivity loss for workers both outdoors and indoors. In a joint effort between CARE-C and EEWRC researchers of the Cyprus Institute to assess the heat's impact on labour productivity, we used climate and biological data to calculate physical heat stress indicators for different levels of work intensity and sun exposure. Then, combining the projected physical impacts with economic data, we assessed that lost economic output due to hotter working conditions may amount to 101 million Euros in 2030, or 0,4% of GDP, and 303 million Euros in 2050, or 0,7% of GDP. Cumulative economic losses up to 2050 could reach 0,5% of the entire GDP of Cyprus of that period, if no further adaptation measures are taken in workplaces.
Our study is the first one using Cypriot data to estimate the economic damage caused by lost work hours due to extreme heat. Most European countries may face greater losses in labour productivity due to climate change because their indoor workplaces are not adequately adapted, but the impacts on the most vulnerable and exposed workers in Cyprus may also be severe and require adaptation measures to monitor and protect workers’ health.
This Policy Brief summarizes our work.
