Rising to the climate change challenge: understanding business opportunities and risks

Transcription

1 Rising to the climate change challenge: understanding business opportunities and risks Sarah Anderson PhD AIEMA Flood Risk and Natural Environment Manager Kent County Council

2 Not a new risk Climate change is not a new risk but a change in duration, severity and frequency of events We are all affected by the impacts of severe weather and climate change Building understanding of current impacts can help plan for the future Future risks are directly tied to present decisions

3 Hotter Temperatures Temperature change (ºC)

4 Increased Winter Precipitation % change in precipitation

5 IPCC Report: Adaptation and Vulnerability Three key risks for Europe: Increased economic losses and more people affected by flooding Increased water restrictions Increased economic losses and people affected by extreme heat events

6 Why build resilience to severe weather and climate change? Are you currently affected by weather or climate? Do you take decisions with long-term consequences? Do you have (or rely on) infrastructure sensitive to changes in weather or climate? Are you vulnerable to disruption of external factors such as utilities? Is it critical to maintain continuity of service during extreme weather events?

7 Business impacts of a changing climate Implications for business strategy, management structures, and reputation Vulnerability of supply chain, utilities, transport and infrastructure Management Logistics Impacts on building and structure design, construction, maintenance and facilities management Premises Finance Implications for investment, insurance and costs Implications for workforce, customers and changing lifestyles People Process Markets Changing demand for goods and services Impacts on production and service delivery

8 Benefits Improving goods and service Protect existing customer base & identify new ones Cutting costs & driving profitability Staying clear of legal trouble Lowered insurance premiums Peace of mind for customers, suppliers, shareholders and management

9 Features of a Resilient Business Can respond to all situations whether an opportunity or a negative situation Greater awareness of self, customers & marketplace Aware of vulnerabilities and impact Flexible, dynamic, adaptable to situations Works towards continuous improvement through engaging its workforce and instilling a culture of resilience in all

10 The Winter Events Images provided by KCC Emergency Planning Team

11 Winter flooding Kent received 242% of the long term average rainfall for the 2013/14 Winter. Events cost over 4.4m and 1,230 days Five successive weather events were recorded over a period of five months. Over 3,000 properties damaged 28,500 without power 22,000 sandbags

12 Winter flooding Were you or someone you know impacted? How did it affect businesses? What would you do differently?

13 Things to consider.. Business Resilience Health-check Premises Operations Financial Insurance Markets Staff Logistics

14 Business Continuity Planning PLAN TEST COMMUNICATE

15 Key action to take away?

16 Further information Further guidance and information on preparing for severe weather and climate change The Business Resilience Healthcheck tool To support the assessment of risks to supply chains Sign up for flood warnings from the EA