The inequality labor loss risk from future urban warming and adaptation strategies

Cheng He, Yuqiang Zhang, Alexandra Schneider, Renjie Chen, Yan Zhang, Weichun Ma (), Patrick L. Kinney () and Haidong Kan ()
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Cheng He: Fudan University
Yuqiang Zhang: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Alexandra Schneider: Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH)
Renjie Chen: Fudan University
Yan Zhang: Fudan University
Weichun Ma: Fudan University
Patrick L. Kinney: Boston University
Haidong Kan: Fudan University

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Heat-induced labor loss is a major economic cost related to climate change. Here, we use hourly heat stress data modeled with a regional climate model to investigate the heat-induced labor loss in 231 Chinese cities. Results indicate that future urban heat stress is projected to cause an increase in labor losses exceeding 0.20% of the total account gross domestic product (GDP) per year by the 2050s relative to the 2010s. In this process, certain lower-paid sectors could be disproportionately impacted. The implementation of various urban adaptation strategies could offset 10% of the additional economic loss per year and help reduce the inequality-related impact on lower-paid sectors. So future urban warming can not only damage cities as a whole but can also contribute to income inequality. The implication of adaptation strategies should be considered in regard to not only cooling requirements but also environmental justice.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31145-2

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