Heat stress costs Sri Lanka 120,000 jobs
Sri Lanka lost the equivalent of more than 120,000 full-time jobs in 2023 due to heat stress at workplaces, compared with the average annual level recorded during the 1985–2014 historical baseline, according to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The report, titled Impacts of Heat Stress on Jobs and Productivity in Sri Lanka, […]
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reported that heat stress in Sri Lanka cost the country the equivalent of 120,000 full-time jobs in 2023, resulting in an additional economic loss of US$6.5 billion compared to historical averages. Agriculture accounted for the majority of job losses at 48%, followed by services (22%), manufacturing (13%), construction (11%), and transport and trade (6%).
The ILO estimates that by 2040, Sri Lanka could lose between 145,000 and 221,000 full-time jobs annually due to heat stress, with economic output potentially reduced by up to 15.2% under the highest-emissions scenario. The report emphasizes the need for climate adaptation measures, such as regulated work-rest schedules, improved workplace ventilation, and cooling measures, to protect workers and reduce productivity losses.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
