Rising exposure to extreme heat and droughts poses growing risks to economies, OECD finds
Zawya · Staff Writer ·
The Climate Action Monitor 2026 finds that the global number of days with above-average temperatures has increased by 126%
PARIS, 6th November, 2026 (WAM) -- The number of days with above-average temperatures worldwide has more than doubled since the early 1980s, while declining soil moisture is raising risks for agricultural production and global supply chains, according to a new OECD report.
The Climate Action Monitor 2026 finds that the global number of days with above-average temperatures has increased by 126%, with particularly pronounced increases in Latin America and the Caribbean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa, where the number has more than tripled.
About half of the population in OECD countries is exposed to hot days (temperatures exceeding 35°C) annually. Between 2021 and 2025, populations in OECD countries experienced 35% more heat stress days than during the 1981-2010 climate baseline equivalent to an additional 17 days per year on average. These extreme weather events affect livelihoods, ecosystems and economic activity with adverse health impacts, loss of life, displacement and disruptions to transport, energy, water and agricultural systems.