How will climate change affect my business?

• You may already have noticed it more difficult to run your business due to extreme and unexpected weather events: premises and stock may have been damaged, supplies not available on time, or staff unable to get to work. Accelerating climate change will mean that this happens more often and suddenly. Your productivity and ability to honour contracts will be affected. Climate risk is commercial risk: act now to protect your business against these challenges.

• Cost Climate change is a contributing factor to conflict over scarce resources, including energy, and affects supply chains worldwide. It is adding to the cost of doing business.
• Commercial insurance Insurance is changing to address climate risk. Some premises and operations may face higher premiums, others may not be insurable. Consider where your business is located, think about shortening your supply chains, and moving away from a just-in-time delivery model to consolidate your insurable risks.
• Opportunities The changing climate may offer new commercial opportunities, but to secure contracts you will need to show you are managing climate risk to your business.
• Carbon commitments Many public sector contracts already require carbon reduction plans for successful tenders, and commercial businesses are increasingly asking for these to protect their reputations and investors. 
• Staff welfare will be affected by changing temperature. Workforce health and safety planning must prepare for this.

Look at the Resources page to see how you can help, and get support, to protect future generations from the worst effects of climate change.