This summer, Korea is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave not seen in 117 years. The number of deaths from heat-related illnesses has exceeded last year's figures by more than double. The extreme heat is so lethal that the term 'heatwave murder' has emerged.
This summer heatwave is also negatively impacting the economy. Research indicates that when temperatures exceed 32 degrees Celsius, physical labor capacity decreases by 40%. Productivity is reduced by that much. Additionally, cabbage is struggling to grow well in high-altitude areas, and mass die-offs of chickens and flatfish are occurring. Rising prices may burden consumers, indicating that 'heatwave diseconomy' is in effect.
◇This summer, heat-related deaths reached 16, exceeding last year's figures by more than double
Observations suggest that this year's heatwave will surpass last year's record levels, which were the worst on record. As of July 30, the number of heatwave days was at 15.9, double that of the same period last year (7.2 days). The Korea Meteorological Administration predicts that the heatwave will continue into August, with persistent humid air expected to raise the felt temperature even higher.
This summer, the number of heat-related patients is 2,868, which is 2.5 times higher than last year's figure of 1,110. So far, 16 people have died due to heat-related illnesses, a notable increase from last year's figure of 7. In particular, on a single day last month, 3 people died from the heat. In Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, an 80-year-old man collapsed while working in a field and died. In Gangdong District, Seoul, a passerby reported a 70-year-old man who had collapsed on the road. In Cheongyang, South Chungcheong Province, an 80-year-old man was found collapsed in a vinyl greenhouse that his children used as a shed.
◇"When the temperature rises by 1 degree, the price increase rate of agricultural products rises by 0.4 to 0.5 percentage points"
The heatwave is also affecting the agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries. A total of 1,277,105 poultry, including chickens, and 60,160 pigs have died. The high temperatures stress chickens, reducing their laying rates and leading to death. Pork, which is raised for meat, is typically suitable for raising at temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Farmed fish have also seen 15,657 deaths. In a fish farm in Daegyeong-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Island, over 2,000 flatfish (sole) died on July 24. The optimal water temperature for farming flatfish is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. At the time of the deaths, the highest surface temperature in the waters off Daegyeong-eup was 29.1 degrees Celsius, 1.2 degrees higher than on the same day last year. Fish farms draw water from the nearby sea.
High-altitude areas in Gangwon Province have also become 'high-temperature zones', surpassing 30 degrees Celsius, impacting summer cabbage cultivation. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), as of July 30, the retail price of a single head of summer cabbage was 5,479 won, 6.14% higher than the average. As of July 22, the retail price of a watermelon had risen to 31,163 won, compared to the early 20,000 won range in previous years. Prices for fruits such as melons and peaches have also steadily increased.
The heatwave is impacting rice production, a staple food. The rice production volume last year was 3.657 million tons, down 1.2% from the previous year. The late summer heat lasting until September encouraged the activity of high-temperature pests, such as the rice planthopper, contributing to this decline. In Japan, where rice prices surged, the heatwave was also noted as one of the causes for the social issues arising.
The Bank of Korea analyzed in a June report last year that a 1-degree increase in temperature due to heatwaves would raise agricultural price inflation rates by 0.4 to 0.5 percentage points, with the effects lasting approximately six months.
◇350 billion won allocated for heatwave and drought responses… "Heatwave to reduce U.S. GDP by 0.6 percentage points"
The budget to prevent human and property damage caused by heatwaves is increasing each year. The Ministry of Interior and Safety allocated 10 billion won for heatwave response efforts in 2022, 12 billion won in 2023, and 15 billion won last year. This year, a total of 35 billion won was allocated, combining drought response funding as well. These funds are used for cooling items for small rooms, cooling shelters for outdoor workers, and installing shading equipment in farms.
The economic damage caused by heatwaves is a global issue. Allianz estimated in a report last month that this year's heatwave would reduce Europe's gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.5 percentage points. The GDP decline is projected at 0.6 percentage points for the United States, 1.0 percentage points for China, and 1.4 percentage points for Spain.
The French Public Health Agency analyzed that between 2015 and 2020, heatwaves caused economic losses amounting to 22 billion to 37 billion euros (approximately 31 trillion to 53 trillion won). Each person exposed to the heatwave suffered a loss of 814 euros (around 1.2 million won). Of this loss, 16 billion to 30 billion euros were attributed to increases in heatwave-related deaths and productivity decreases. The International Labour Organization (ILO) found that a temperature of 32 degrees results in a 40% reduction in physical labor capacity.
As the highest daily temperature in Paris exceeded 40 degrees, French authorities prohibited tourists from entering the Eiffel Tower on the 1st and 2nd. The Eiffel Tower is made of steel, which is sensitive to heat. There are analyses suggesting that the heated steel may expand during the day and not fully contract at night, potentially causing a 20-cm deformation.