UK Economy Suffers £1.15 Billion Loss Due to Record June Heatwave

Kathmandu. A new study has shown that the UK economy has suffered a loss of around 1.15 billion pounds (approximately 1.5 billion US dollars) due to a record heatwave in June, resulting in the loss of about 24 million working hours. The study indicated that workers, especially those doing physical labor in outdoor environments, were most affected by the extreme heat.

According to the study published by the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics (LSE) and the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC), workers in the construction and agriculture sectors significantly reduced their working hours due to extreme heat. The study stated that this impact was less pronounced for individuals in professions with relatively less physical labor.

The study found that workers worked an average of 0.47 hours less during the week of June 22. Additionally, 3.6 percent of respondents, approximately 1.25 million workers, were unable to attend work for the entire week due to extreme heat.

Researchers also studied the impact of heat on working hours, sleep quality, and commuting to work. Most respondents reported experiencing at least one health problem, such as sleep disturbances, fatigue during work, dizziness, fainting, and abnormally increased heart rate.

In June, the UK, along with France and other European countries, experienced exceptional heat. During this period, the regular operation of transportation services, schools, and hospitals was affected, and concerns were raised about the inadequacy of infrastructure to cope with extreme heat.

Elizabeth Robinson, Director of the Grantham Research Institute, stated that the study clearly shows the UK has not adequately adapted to a changing climate. She emphasized that the government can no longer ignore the risks of extreme heat and urged for immediate effective preparation and adaptation measures.

Scientists have been warning that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. In this context, England has recorded this year's June as the hottest June in its history.