Defra Calls on Businesses, Local Councils and Communities to Prepare for Climate Change

On 1 July, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published a report calling on businesses, local councils and communities to prepare for climate change and extreme weather.

Published as part of the National Adaptation Programme, the report sets out what businesses, councils and communities, as well as government, are doing to tackle climate threats, and how all parties must take actions to work together.

Defra reported that 64% of businesses have suffered supply chain disruption due to extreme weather and 70% of major businesses and their suppliers see significant risk from climate change. However, only 40% of large businesses in the UK are taking action to ensure they are ready to cope with climate change.

Environment Minister, Lord de Mauley said; “Recent floods and droughts have highlighted the need to plan ahead and prepare for changing conditions…Businesses, government and local communities must ensure they are equipped to deal with the challenges ahead and embrace the opportunities that arise, both at home and overseas”.

Preparing for climate change and taking advantage of changing conditions ensures businesses are resilient and competitive for the future. Economists have estimated that every £1 spent on climate change adaptation could represent four times its value in potential damages prevented.

For further information on the report, visit the Defra website.   If you need further help in understanding and managing the environmental responsibilities and impacts of your organisation, please contact our team of specialist environmental consultants.

If you’d like to learn how RiskWise can help you manage your environmental requirements, please contact our RiskWise team.