The Impact of Climate change on Businesses and what they need to do

You probably already know this but Climate change is nothing new

Sean Anyiam-osigwe
4 min readMar 15, 2021
Image from climate.gov by Author: Caitlyn Kennedy and Rebecca Lindsey.

Climate Change destabilises the Earth’s temperature harmony and has far-​reaching impacts on people and the climate. Throughout a dangerous atmospheric devation, the energy equilibrium and subsequently the temperature of the earth change, because of the expanded centralization of ozone harming substances(Green house gasses), which essentially affects people and the climate.

You saw this coming
Think of the poor polar bears and Penguins

We don’t know accurately how environmental change will alter the planet, yet two things are sure: Its complex ecological effect will straightforwardly influence business, society, and biological systems; and governments will look to moderate its belongings with broad guidelines. As of not long ago, organisations have generally openly discharged carbon, however they will know these outflows have a precarious cost.

(Image from climate.nasa.gov)

So to elucidate on how it affects Businesses is very straight forward first of all, there is will be Harsher Working Conditions, as temperatures rise and climate patterns change, working conditions in certain areas may get harsher. Occupations that require physical labour, particularly outdoors, will turn out to be more challenging, and wellbeing and safety risk in these enterprises will rise. This will expands costs in these areas.

(image from WeRenew.net)

During this century, climate change will cause extreme phenomena that will have significant repercussions for humanity, industry, and the environment. The timing and exact nature of the effects are uncertain, but scientists’ best estimates, summarized in the table below, can help businesses think strategically about their response.

image from Harvard business review link in the reference section

Furthermore the Changing Demand where as the environment changes, demand will shift. As worldwide temperatures rise, for instance, demand for heating oil will decrease — as will interest for other winter products, so disadvantageous for oil based businesses. More purchasers are likewise focusing on manageability in the items they purchase, moving interest toward all the more harmless to the ecosystem merchandise or environmentally friendly goods.

(Image from nature.com, Credit: Focus/eyevine)

Climate change is significantly more than simply an ecological issue. It will also significantly affect organisations in the years to come. To prevail in the environment of things to come, organisations will have to adapt, such as

1. Create value by understanding and addressing new customer needs. All companies need to evaluate how a changing and uncertain climate will affect customers, and consider how to better serve current and new markets.

2. Protect value by securing assets, operations, and supplies. Most companies will also be well served by taking action now to mitigate their operating risks.

3. Strengthen long-term geographic strategies. In addition to present-day weather events, climate change produces longer-term changes to physical geographies.

4. Invest in vulnerable communities.

Let's hope businesses see these future problems and act accordingly.

References:

Emily folk (2018) ‘How climate change will affect businesses’ Friday, 09 November, Available at: https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/emily-folk/how-climate-change-will-affect-businesses-20181109

Caitlyn.K and Rebecca.L (2015)’What’s the difference between global warming and climate change?’ June 17, 2015, Available at: https://www.climate.gov/news-features/climate-qa/whats-difference-between-global-warming-and-climate-change

Harvard Business Review (2007)‘Climate Business | Business Climate’ October 2007, Available at: https://hbr.org/2007/10/climate-business-_-business-climate

Ryan.S (2011) ‘4 Ways Companies Should Adapt to Climate Change’, September 20, 2011, Available at: https://www.greenbiz.com/article/4-ways-companies-should-adapt-climate-change

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