Cyprus Institute warns of significant economic losses due to extreme heat

A new study by the Cyprus Institute, released on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, predicts that Cyprus could face cumulative economic losses ranging between 2.3 and 3.8 billion euros by 2050 if adaptation measures in workplaces are not implemented to address rising extreme heat. The research highlights an expected increase in the number of days during which workers will be forced to halt operations due to unsafe thermal conditions.

Researchers analyzed climatic and biological data to assess heat stress indices for various labor intensities and sun exposure levels, focusing particularly on the construction, agricultural, and tourism sectors. Under a moderate climate change scenario, the findings indicate that workers involved in medium and high-intensity labor will experience significantly more frequent periods of danger compared to the 1980-2020 reference period. The study emphasizes that the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events are rising both locally in Cyprus and internationally, intensifying physical risks for those working in both outdoor and indoor environments.