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@article{207078,
        author = {Dr. Swati Singh Chauhan and Dr. Ankul Pandey},
        title = {Economic Consequences of Extreme Heat Waves on India's Productivity and GDP},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {2},
        pages = {4451-4456},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=207078},
        abstract = {Climate change has emerged as one of the most significant challenges to sustainable economic development, with extreme heat waves becoming increasingly frequent and intense across India. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India is highly vulnerable to rising temperatures due to its large labour-intensive workforce and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Extreme heat adversely affects labor productivity by reducing work efficiency, increasing health risks, and shortening working hours. These impacts ultimately influence sectoral output and national economic growth.
The present study examines the economic consequences of extreme heat waves on India's productivity and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The study is based on secondary data collected from government reports, international organizations, and published research studies. Data relating to heat-wave trends, labor productivity, economic performance, and GDP growth have been analysed to understand the relationship between rising temperatures and economic outcomes. The findings indicate that increasing heat-wave intensity has negatively affected labor productivity and sectoral performance in India. Agriculture, construction, and manufacturing sectors are among the most vulnerable to heat stress. Correlation analysis reveals a strong negative relationship (r = -0.74) between heat-wave days and GDP growth during the study period. Various economic assessments further suggest that 2.5%–4.5% of India's GDP could be at risk by 2030 due to climate-related productivity losses. The study concludes that extreme heat waves represent not only an environmental challenge but also a serious economic threat to India's long-term growth and development. Therefore, effective climate adaptation strategies, resilient infrastructure, and worker protection measures are essential for minimizing future economic losses.},
        keywords = {Extreme Heat Waves, Climate Change, Labor Productivity, GDP Growth, Economic Losses, Sustainable Development.},
        month = {July},
        }