World Bank: extreme heat subtracts 31 million South Asia jobs a year
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Extreme heat is cutting South Asian workers' pay and economic output, with a World Bank report estimating heat already subtracts the equivalent of 31 million full-time jobs a year across the region. Bangladesh outdoor workers lost about 8.5% of their annual income and 24 workdays, while India's heat-related lost wages are estimated at $78 billion, or 1.99% of 2024 GDP.
Key Facts
- The Bangladesh study covered 175 households engaged in construction, rickshaw pulling and garment manufacturing, where indoor workers lost 14 workdays and 4.5% of annual income.
- The Bangladesh report estimates heat-related workday losses cost the country about 0.9% of GDP, rising when kidney-related ailments are counted.
- An IIED survey of 538 informal worker households in Ajmer, Delhi and Agra found outdoor workers lost $151 annually, nearly 10% of earnings, while indoor workers lost $89.
- The World Bank report examined urban heat threats to jobs in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
South Asia Labor Losses
Exposure to extreme heat is costing the South Asian workforce a significant share of pay every year. The single largest economic cost of heat comes from labor productivity losses. A World Bank report estimates extreme heat already subtracts the equivalent of 31 million full-time jobs a year across the region. The report examines how urban heat threatens jobs in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh Informal Workers
A Bangladesh report based on interviews with 175 informal worker households found outdoor workers lost about 24 working days and 8.5% of annual income. Indoor workers lost 14 working days and 4.5% of annual income. For both groups, illness caused by heat and reduced productivity were the largest causes of workdays lost. The report estimates the nation loses about 0.9% of GDP due to workday losses, with the figure rising when kidney-related ailments from frequent dehydration are counted. Workers reported low mood, mistakes at work, anxiety, irritability and difficulty sleeping.
India Cost Estimates
A July 2026 report by IIED estimated India's nationwide cost of heat-related kidney problems and reduced ability to work during heatwaves at $78 billion in lost wages, equivalent to 1.99% of India's GDP in 2024. The study was based on a survey of 538 informal worker households in Ajmer, Delhi and Agra. Outdoor workers in construction, road laying and brickmaking lost about 24 days annually, costing $151 — nearly a tenth of annual earnings. Indoor workers in food packaging, garment manufacturing and stonemasonry lost roughly 15 days, or $89.
1 source
World Bank: extreme heat subtracts 31 million South Asia jobs a year
