Rising workplace heat could cost the Maldives up to USD 1.7 billion a year by 2060, according to an International Labour Organization assessment.
The projection takes into account the impact of higher temperatures on outdoor and indoor work across key sectors. Lost productivity from heat stress is expected to grow as global warming continues.
The Maldives is particularly exposed because of its tropical climate and reliance on sectors that involve outdoor activity. Tourism, construction and fisheries are among the areas that could be affected.
The ILO findings highlight the need for adaptation measures such as adjusted working hours, better cooling and heat-protection policies. Without such steps, the economic losses from reduced labour capacity are projected to rise sharply over the coming decades.
The report places the Maldives among countries facing notable climate-related labour risks.
