Heat-Related Lost Labor Emerges as a Major Cost of Carbon Emissions

Heat-related lost labor emerges as a major cost of carbon emissions

As the climate warms, people are more exposed to heat stress, which depresses productivity and the global economy. A study from the University of California, Davis, quantifies the cost of heat stress on global labor.

Heat stress cost India $9 per tonne of CO2 in lost labour productivity in 2025

India experienced significant labour productivity losses due to heat stress in 2025. A study revealed that each tonne of carbon dioxide emitted cost India nine dollars. Globally, emissions caused forty-one dollars in lost labour productivity per tonne. Outdoor workers face the greatest exposure to these dangerous heat conditions. Employers and policymakers must mitigate these damages and protect workers.

How extreme heat is hitting India’s economy with $9 in lost labor productivity per ton of CO₂

Highlights:India lost $9 per ton of CO₂ Global loss reached $41 per ton Heat stress is reducing worker productivity Agriculture and construction face higher risks Cooling and work-hour changes can helpClimate change is often measured through rising temperatures, stronger heat waves, health emergencies and damage from extreme weather. But there is another cost that can be harder to see: people becoming less productive because it is simply too hot…

The High Cost of Climate Change on Worker Productivity

As the climate warms, people are more exposed to heat stress, which depresses their productivity and the global economy. A study from the University of California, Davis, quantifies the cost of heat stress on global labor. The study, published today in the journal Nature Climate Change, estimates that each ton of carbon dioxide emitted in 2025 cost $41 in lost productivity.