New Delhi, July 31 -- Extreme heat is costing South Asia the equivalent of 31 million full-time jobs every year and could shrink the region's economy by nearly 7 per cent by 2050 if countries do not take adaptation measures, according to a new World Bank report. The report warned that rising temperatures are emerging as a major threat to employment, productivity and long-term economic growth.

Releasing its report, 'A Livable Future: Protecting Jobs and Growth from Extreme Heat in South Asia's Cities', the World Bank said, "Extreme heat already subtracts the equivalent of 31 million full-time jobs a year across South Asia,"while "without adaptation, rising heat could leave South Asia's GDP close to 7 per cent smaller by 2050, the steepest...