Study Estimates $41 Heat-Stress Cost…Study Estimates $41 Heat-Stress Cost Per Ton

A UC Davis-led study published in Nature Climate Change estimates that each ton of CO2 emitted in 2025 caused $41 in lost global labor productivity through heat stress. Exposure is concentrated in densely populated hot regions and among agricultural and construction workers, though indoor workers without adequate cooling are also vulnerable. The findings contribute to estimates of a social cost of carbon near $200 per ton and support measures such as shade, water, rest breaks, air conditioning and cooler work schedules.