A World Economic Forum (WEF) report, released on Thursday, predicts that global temperature rise will cost $1.5 trillion in lost productivity due to health risks. The report identifies food and agriculture, healthcare, and the built environment as the most affected sectors.
Published ahead of the 2025 Sustainable Development Impact Meetings, the report highlights the urgent need for businesses to adapt to climate risks. COP30 preparations in Belém, Brazil, are intensifying. Eric White, WEF’s Head of Climate Resilience, said, “Protecting worker health is essential for business continuity.” Delaying adaptation will raise risks and costs.
The food and agriculture sector could lose up to $740 billion, while the built environment may face $570 billion in losses. The healthcare sector stands to lose $200 billion in productivity. Insurance companies will see a rise in climate health claims.
The report urges companies to act now to protect workforce health and build resilience. Investing early in climate adaptation can lead to innovation and growth, the report says.
