Rising Heat Levels Threaten Singapore’s Economy: Study Finds Economic Losses Could Reach $1.64 Billion by 2035

The National University of Singapore recently conducted a study which revealed that Singapore’s economic losses due to heat stress could increase to $1.64 billion in 2035 from pre-pandemic 2018. The decline in labor productivity across the country’s major economic sectors due to heat strain in 2018 was significant, with an 11.3% fall in average productivity. However, the situation is expected to worsen, with productivity projected to decrease by 14% in 2035, resulting in an economic loss of S$2.22 billion.

Workers exposed to adverse environmental conditions such as those working under the sun or near heat sources like machinery will experience even higher productivity losses. The study estimated that for every hot day, the reduced productivity of workers results in a median income loss of S$21 per worker.

Project HeatSafe conducted by the National University of Singapore is the first large-scale study in Singapore and the region that aims to assess the impact of rising heat levels on productivity and health on both individual and macroeconomic levels. Taking 2018 as the baseline for the study, researchers chose this year as it was pre-pandemic and the last “normal year” for which data was available.

Singapore, which is warming twice as fast as the rest of the globe, recently experienced extreme levels of UV radiation for the second time within four days. The country is not alone in facing intense heat, as scientists have warned of surpassing key warming thresholds globally. The impact of extreme heat exposure goes beyond productivity, affecting cognitive capacity, physical exertion, and even fertility rates in Singapore, which are already at historic lows.

The study also found that individuals who were more vulnerable to heat stress due to factors such as age or health conditions were more likely to experience higher productivity losses than others.

The authors of the study emphasized the importance of addressing this issue before it becomes a major problem for both individuals and businesses alike. They recommended implementing measures such as providing shade or cooling systems for workers exposed to high temperatures and encouraging employers to adjust work schedules during peak heat hours.

Overall, this research highlights how climate change can have far-reaching impacts on economies and societies around the world. It serves as a reminder that urgent action must be taken now to mitigate these effects and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.