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March and April were the hottest or almost hottest months recorded in South Asia. The heatwave was triggered by climate change, says the UK Meteorological Office.
Heat waves like these not only weaken human power, but they deplete finances, often in invisible ways. This is just one example of how climate change is exacerbating the economy and poverty.
The heat has been brutal for construction workers, farmers and anyone working in nature. These sectors make up half of the arm power in South Asia.
But many people have no choice but to work. One of them is the Indian Kushilal Mandal who works in construction.
“Even if it is very hot, we have to work. If we do not work we will be left without bread. “We work despite the heat,” he said.
High temperatures cause health problems, and in some cases death for those who work outside. Many construction sites close early, which means lower wages.
Lost working hours are increasing worldwide as a result of high temperatures. A UN report says the hours lost in 2030 will equate to 80 million full-time jobs.
In an interview with VOA, Teevrat Garg with the University of California says the whole world is being affected by climate change.
“These effects are global, pronounced and ongoing,” he said.
Mr. Garg, an economist at the University of California at San Diego, says any full-time layoffs hurt employees’ salaries. High temperatures do not allow people to work so hard.
“It has nothing to do with how employees feel or do not want to work because of the high temperatures. “But the extreme heat limits their ability to work.”
It’s not just outdoor work that is affected by the heat, says World Bank economist Patrick Behrer.
“People think that factory work is not affected by heat. “But not all factories and plants have air conditioning,” said the World Bank economist.
He says heat affects employees even if they do not perform hard work.
“High temperatures affect attention, concentration and lead to rapid fatigue. “All of this leads to reduced productivity at work.”
He says that in addition to salary, it also affects health.
“Due to less attention, or fatigue at work, employees are more likely to be injured.”
Experts say society will adapt to higher temperatures and that air conditioning plays an important role. But many companies do not invest in better equipment, or hiring more people, says Mr. Garg.
“Adaptation has a high cost. “Usually the poorer you are, the higher the cost.”
As temperatures rise, Mr Garg says, states will need programs to mitigate the effects on the poor.
“When we talk about climate investment, we think of rising ocean levels and renewable energy capacities, which are very important. “But it is also important to have social programs and safety nets that will play a big role for low- and middle-income populations.”
Experts say inequality is rising along with temperatures.
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