|
|
by Suryaa |
A new report from the World Economic Forum warns that rising climate-linked health problems could cause the world to lose more than \$1.5 trillion in productivity by 2050 . ([World Economic Forum]
The losses are expected in key areas like food and farming , buildings and infrastructure , and healthcare . ([World Economic Forum]
Here are the numbers by sector:
Food and agriculture could lose \$740 billion in output. ([World Economic Forum]
Built environment (offices, homes, cities) may see \$570 billion in lost productivity. ([World Economic Forum]
Health and healthcare could lose about \$200 billion due to illnesses in workers. ([World Economic Forum]
The report says the number \$1.5 trillion covers mainly these three sectors. If insurance and other areas are also counted, the total cost could be much higher. ([World Economic Forum
Why This Is Important
Rising heat, spread of infectious diseases, and other climate-driven health risks are becoming more common. For businesses, this means fewer healthy workers, more sick days, and higher costs. ([World Economic Forum]
The report urges companies to start adapting now . Some suggested actions:
Protect worker health (for example, with cooling technologies) ([World Economic Forum)
Use climate-resilient crops to safeguard food supply ([World Economic Forum]
Develop medicines that stay stable in heat ([World Economic Forum]
Bigger Picture
Delaying action will only increase risk and cost. Investing early in solutions not only reduces losses, but can also open up new opportunities in business and tech. ([World Economic Forum]
Overall, this report is a wake-up call: the health effects of climate change are not just about environment, but about jobs, productivity, and our ability to grow and thrive.
Latest News