16:31 18 July 2026
Heat wave will cost Polish economy for years to come
Each degree above 30°C may reduce labor productivity by about 3% and increase energy consumption by 1.2%, according to Allianz Trade. The greatest long-term damage, however, comes from lower business investment rather than temporary production losses. Companies facing weaker profits may postpone spending on equipment, buildings, and expansion, limiting future economic capacity. In the most heat-exposed countries, repeated severe heat waves could reduce GDP by 5–7% by 2030. Europe is especially vulnerable because only about 19% of buildings have air conditioning, compared with roughly 90% in the United States.
Allianz Trade recommends investments in cooling, insulation, ventilation, worker protection, resilient supply chains, and insurance solutions tied to temperature thresholds.
