Economic Impacts of Climate Change: A 18% Reduction in Average Income for Spain by 2050!

A recent economic study published in the magazine Nature by the Potsdam Climate Impact Research Institute in Germany predicts that Spain will experience a 18% reduction in average income by 2050 due to the effects of climate change. This reduction is higher than in France (13%) and Italy (15%). The study author, Maximilian Kotz, explains that Spain’s warmer climate compared to other European countries makes it more vulnerable to heat, which will lead to stronger declines in agricultural and labor productivity, especially in the hottest regions of Spain.

The study also highlights the impact of changes in precipitation, which can be intensified by other climatic extremes such as storms or forest fires. The report, based on data from 1,600 regions worldwide over the past four decades, projects income reductions in most regions, with North America and Europe also being affected. However, the most significant impact is expected in the south of Asia and Africa, where climatic conditions are already close to those causing productivity loss.

Every year $38 billion are lost globally due to climate change according to Kotz, and by mid-century, the world economy could see a 19% reduction in income. The study combines empirical models with climate simulators to make these projections, taking into account how climate impacts have affected the economy in the past. PIK scientist Leonie Wenz emphasizes that countries least responsible for climate change will suffer a 60% greater loss of income compared to higher-income countries and 40% more than countries with higher emissions.

Overall, this research underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect economies from significant losses in the future.