Please download the report here 

Climate change is presenting UK businesses with opportunities as well as risks, according to this report commissioned by the Environment Agency and produced by Acclimatise. The report combines evidence from Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) surveys of UK firms with new insights from a series of interviews with leading UK businesses. When it comes to climate risks the vast majority (86%) of the companies have already identified on or more climate-related risks to their businesses. This apparently high-level of awareness is, however, not matched when it comes to taking action to adapt.

Climate change is a real challenge. Is your business facing up to it?

As we publish this report, communities and businesses are recovering from the winter storms in December 2015. We saw record breaking weather; with UK mean temperatures in December over 4°C warmer than average, exceptionally high rainfall in the north and west and a new record set for the UK highest rainfall in 24 hours. The extreme and persistent rainfall caused devastating flooding and huge amounts of disruption, particularly in the north of the country.

This is the latest in a series of severe weather over the past few years, including drought in 2012, a storm surge on the east coast in 2013 and flooding in winter 2013/14. Businesses across the country have been counting the costs, experiencing direct impacts on their products, services and supply chains.

Because of these events, more businesses are recognising climate change as a major risk which could significantly affect them now, and in years to come. The Environment Agency encourages businesses to increase their resilience to extreme weather by preparing for the challenges of climate change and managing the risks effectively and confidently.

This report is a ‘call to action’ to all UK businesses. You will read about UK

Businesses who manage risk demonstrate how they are already reaping benefits, including costs savings, enhanced reputation, better financial resilience, investor attractiveness and finding potential to supply climate-related products and services. Of course, climate change is a significant challenge. Responding is not an easy task, but businesses that do so with confidence are more likely to succeed. We encourage businesses to act now to increase their climate resilience and prepare to exploit opportunities that our changing climate presents.

Please download the Document here below: