Heatwave Devastates American Businesses: A Sudden Blow

The scorching heatwave sweeping across the United States is not only taking a toll on millions of Americans but also driving up costs for businesses and putting pressure on the economy. Recent studies estimate that extreme heat could cost the US $100 billion annually from productivity losses alone, and if left unchecked, it could sap away one-sixth of global economic activity by 2100. Workers, especially those who work outdoors, are less productive in extreme heat, and the losses are steepest in sectors such as agriculture and construction. The lack of national regulations to protect workers from heat stress exacerbates the problem. Businesses in various industries, from food trucks to breweries, are making operational changes and investing in cooling systems to mitigate the impact of the heatwave.