As rising temperatures continued to break records this summer, so did energy use and costs. According to NOAA, June 2022 ranked the sixth warmest on record.

So how does extreme heat affect the global economy? Studies show that extreme heat can decrease productivity, as workers suffer fatigue and take additional breaks for safety.

One study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond found that extreme heat can reduce economic output by 0.25% for every 1 degree Fahrenheit above average. The same study predicted that rising temperatures could reduce overall growth of U.S. economic output by as much as one-third by the year 2100.

Extreme heat also can damage critical transportation infrastructure, like melting railroad tracks and airport runways in the U.K. in July, slowing down freight and postal deliveries.

Scientists predict that we’ll continue to see more frequent and intense heatwaves as a result of climate change. Here are five things you can do to beat the heat:

1 Stay hydrated. Did you know our bodies are more than half water? Most people don’t drink enough water anyway, but staying hydrated is critical when temperatures (and humidity) climb toward the century mark. Keep a water bottle handy as a reminder to sip throughout the day, aiming for 64 ounces or more total.

2 Take breaks when outdoors or indoors without air conditioning, whether at work or play. Heat puts extra stress on your body, so don’t push it. OSHA has a number of resources to help prevent heat illness for workers, and the Mayo Clinic provides a list of warning signs to watch for when exercising in the heat.

3 Seek shade. You can carry an umbrella for portable shade outdoors. Some offer liners or coatings added for UV protection. Wide-brimmed hats are also a good choice.

4 Use fans (with care). Fans are a tried-and-true tool for providing relief, but it’s important to know when to use them. Evaporation is the key. An Australian study found that fans do reduce core body temperature in hot and humid conditions, but they can actually increase body temps when it’s hot and dry – like an induction oven.

5 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Performance fabrics that wick sweat are a good choice, especially in light colors that reflect rather than absorb the sun’s heat. Apply a little color theory with light blues and greens to suggest coolness for added benefit.

Performance fabrics are woven to draw sweat away from the skin, helping keep the wearer cool. This Silk Touch Performance Polo wicks moisture, resists snags and holds its color for a professional look that lasts.
SanMar / PPAI 110788, S16 / SanMar.com