Heatwaves are bad news for Mallorca economy

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, with far-reaching economic repercussions.

Globally, the heatwaves translate to a GDP reduction of 0.6 percentage points this year, Allianz Research said. China, Spain, Italy and Greece could each see GDP losses of nearly one percentage point due to the current heatwaves, the Allianz Research report said, while the U.S. may face a decline of around 0.6 percentage points and France of up to a third of a point.

Extreme temperatures also reduce labour productivity, with the International Labour Organization forecasting that heat stress will reduce total potential working hours worldwide by 2.2% by 2030.

Productivity losses due to heat can be mitigated, Allianz Research said, calling for structural measures to prepare cities and adapt workplaces.