ILO Warns Maldives Faces $576 Million Annual Productivity Loss by 2040 Due to Workplace Heat

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that the Maldives and Sri Lanka could face a combined economic loss of $26.6 billion annually by 2040 due to increasing workplace heat. According to an ILO research report released on Thursday, even if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, these two countries would lose work hours equivalent to 1.47 million full-time jobs. The ILO's country-specific study stated that compared to the period from 1985 to 2014, the Maldives' national productivity is expected to lose approximately $576 million annually by 2040. The study noted that in recent years, productivity in the agriculture, fisheries, and construction sectors in the Maldives had declined by between 13 percent and 15 percent due to rising heat. Additionally, the organization said that changes associated with the monsoon season in 2023 also caused additional losses to work time and productivity. Regarding Sri Lanka, the ILO estimates that the country will lose approximately $26 billion annually from its productivity by 2040. The report states that in recent years, productivity in Sri Lanka's agriculture and construction sectors had declined by between 15 percent and 18 percent. To protect workers from these risks, the ILO has advised the Maldives to develop national guidelines for heat protection. Key measures proposed in the report include adjusting schedules to avoid working during the hottest parts of the day, providing adequate rest breaks during work, and ensuring access to shaded areas, cooling facilities, and drinking water at workplaces. Additionally, the organization has recommended strengthening systems to monitor workplace heat levels and safety and health standards, raising awareness about heat dangers, and providing social security to those whose work hours cannot be reduced due to income impacts.