Globally unequal effect of extreme heat on economic growth

Increased extreme heat is among the clearest impacts of global warming, but the economic effects of heat waves are poorly understood. Using subnational economic data, extreme heat metrics measuring the temperature of the hottest several days in each year, and an ensemble of climate models, we quantify the effect of extreme heat intensity on economic growth globally. We find that human-caused increases in heat waves have depressed economic output most in the poor tropical regions least culpable for warming. Cumulative 1992-2013 losses from anthropogenic extreme heat likely fall between $5 trillion and $29.3 trillion globally. Losses amount to 6.7% of Gross Domestic Product per capita per year for regions in the bottom income decile, but only 1.5% for regions in the top income decile. Our results have the potential to inform adaptation investments and demonstrate how global inequality is both a cause and consequence of the unequal burden of climate change.

Automated summary

Increased extreme heat due to global warming significantly affects the economy, with the poorest tropical regions suffering the most. The economic losses caused by human-induced heat waves globally are substantial, particularly in low-income regions. This study provides insights for adaptation investments and highlights how global inequality contributes to and is affected by the unequal burden of climate change.