"Skyrocketing Temperatures Drain U.S. Economy of Billions in Productivity"

Rising temperatures due to climate change are impacting workers across various industries, leading to decreased productivity and economic losses. Extreme heat is affecting not only traditional sectors like agriculture and construction but also industries such as factories, warehouses, restaurants, airlines, telecommunications, delivery services, and energy companies. Studies show that heat exposure increases absenteeism, reduces work hours, and lowers productivity, with losses projected to reach $500 billion annually by 2050. The effects are disproportionately felt by workers in poor counties, who can lose up to 5% of their pay per hot day. Despite the significant economic costs, there are currently no national regulations in the US to protect workers from extreme heat, although some states have implemented labor protections.