Extreme Heat Could Shrink South Asia’s Economy by 7 Percent
Extreme heat is already making South Asia lose 31 million full-time jobs each year. This severe heat could also shrink the region’s economy by nearly seven percent by 2050. The World Bank warns of these risks in its latest report. This report is titled “A Livable Future: Protecting Jobs and Growth from Extreme Heat in South Asia’s Cities.”
The report explains that temperatures are rising quickly. By 2070, about 520 million people in South Asia could face dangerously high heat for at least one month yearly. This is four times more than today’s number. This growing heat threatens jobs, how much workers produce, and long-term economic growth.
Rising temperatures reduce how much people can work. It also stops businesses from running smoothly. This makes cities less competitive. The heat adds pressure on hospitals and important services. Poor families, informal workers, women, children, and older people will suffer the most.
Johannes Zutt, the World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, said cities are vital for the region’s economy. However, rising heat puts jobs and livelihoods in danger. He stated that building cities ready for heat is key. It protects people and helps keep jobs, boost production, attract money, and maintain economic growth.
The World Bank report suggests that extreme heat is not just a seasonal problem. It is a main challenge for development. Governments must include heat-risk plans in city building. They should also consider it in infrastructure, public policy, and private investments.
The report recommends several actions. These include building structures that can handle heat. It also calls for better plans to deal with heat waves. Protecting vulnerable workers is important. Expanding cooling systems that are good for the environment is another step. Better warning systems and more public and private investment are also needed.
John Warburton, from the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, added his view. He said extreme heat is destroying livelihoods across South Asia. It puts more strain on public health and lowers productivity. The poorest communities are most affected, pushing them deeper into poverty. He believes this is both a climate crisis and a development crisis. Long-term, joint action is therefore essential.
Some cities in South Asia have already started projects. They have heat action plans and plant more trees. They build heat-resistant infrastructure and use early warning systems. These efforts are working well. But they need stronger leaders, better teamwork, and more money from both government and private companies.
South Asia’s cities are growing fast. The World Bank stresses that decisions made today will shape their future. Investing in heat resilience now will protect lives and jobs. It will also strengthen economies and ensure future wealth.
