environmentneutral
China's Heat Stress Challenge: A Tale of Two Regions
ChinaSunday, January 4, 2026
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The Problem
- China's climate is changing and getting hotter.
- Heat stress is a significant issue for workers.
- Productivity is decreasing, and it's costing money.
The Research
- Researchers used climate models and WBGT (Wet-bulb Globe Temperature).
- They studied different regions of China.
Findings
- Southern China: Workers lose over 11% productivity.
- Middle China: Workers lose 7-11% productivity.
- Northern China: Workers lose 6-9% productivity.
Solutions
- Shading: Effective in the south (e.g., umbrellas, tents).
- Schedule Changes: Better in the north (avoiding peak heat).
- Warning: Solutions may not work forever due to climate change.
Economic Impact
- Agriculture and construction are heavily affected.
- Right solutions can reduce losses by 65-70%.
Conclusion
- Different regions need different solutions.
- Immediate action is necessary as the problem will worsen.
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