Labor’s adaptation to high temperatures: evidence from rural China

Purpose The reconfiguration of rural labor represents a crucial pathway toward adapting to high temperatures. This study examines the mechanisms through which high temperatures influence labor allocation and proposes effective strategies to enhance the adaptability of rural labor forces to these effects. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing panel fixed effects and long differences methods, we examined the short- and long-term effects of high temperatures on labor forces. Income ratios across sectors and non-agricultural training were designed for the investigated mechanisms. Regional heterogeneity was utilized as a potential explanation for variations in estimation results. Findings We found that high temperatures increase the non-agricultural workdays for rural labor and decrease agricultural workdays, with a greater long-term impact compared to the short-term. This effect is achieved by altering labor returns in non-agricultural and agricultural sectors and increasing the likelihood of non-agricultural training for labor reallocation. Additionally, we observed significant differences in high-temperature effects between the northern and southern regions. Practical implications To strengthen the rural labor’s ability to cope with high temperatures, focus on expanding non-agricultural training in affected regions. This facilitates their transition and enhances resilience. Originality/value To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the short- and long-term effects of high temperatures on rural labor forces in China using micro-level data and the long differences method. It expands existing literature by investigating impact mechanisms, validating findings and analyzing regional heterogeneity.