Climate change poses 'major threat to businesses'

News Article - 08 April 2008
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Climate change is posing a major risk for businesses over the next ten years, a new survey suggests.

The Business Continuity Expo 2008 survey highlights climate change as an "emerging risk" and reveals that 87 per cent of firms perceive climate change as the single biggest threat to future growth.

Sponsored by insurance broker March, the study examines threats in terms of risk assessment to companies.

Green issues were higher up the list of major global threats to businesses, ahead of terrorism, pandemic flu, the credit crunch and flooding, for the 150 major UK and European companies quizzed.

Martin Caddick, Marsh business continuity management team leader, stated: "While the majority of firms surveyed have accurately identified the major risks that could affect their businesses, fewer seem to be successful in tackling them head on. This lack of preparedness continues to be a major issue for European firms in today’s turbulent times."

The Emerging Risks survey found that 83 per cent of respondents were worried about shortages of traditional sources of energy, such as oil and gas.

Businesses can use carbonaccounting software to assess their own impact on the environment, helping to enhance their green credentials and combat global warming.

Article keywords: <img src='http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Bluetooth_700_18987025_0_0_7024588_300.jpg' align='right' style='width:150px; margin-left:10px;' />Companies considering their business plans for the next year may wish to incorporate digital inclusion among them.<br/><br/>This is after Lord Stephen Carter, the first minister for communications, technology and broadcasting, said that digital inclusion was as important to businesses as it was to the government.<br/><br/>He added that if it was left as a residual problem it would end up being more punitive, so it was best to get ahead.<br/><br/>Speaking at the Joint Westminster Forum and Westminster Media Forum keynote seminar Digital Britain, Lord Carter explained: &quot;Public confidence in online safety, online security, online transactions or online access are all things &#133; [for which] ... the cries for safety, the requirement for clarity &#133; is much greater and we need to make sure we progress those two things in tandem.&quot;<br/><br/>It is hoped that the Digital Britain action plan will secure the UK's place at the forefront of innovation, investment and quality in the digital and communications industries.<br/>

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