Preparing for and responding to the health and security impacts of climate change

As the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) opens its doors to world leaders, the urgency to address the myriad of pressing issues brought about the climate change has become more critical. Climate change stands as one of the most significant crises of our times, not only threatening the natural environment but also posing a severe risk to human health and well-being.

Recent scientific observations indicate that the last 12 months marked the warmest period ever recorded in human history. October emerged as the hottest month, with global temperatures soaring 1.7C above late-1800s levels. Shockingly, one in four individuals faced intense heat waves, and a staggering 90 per cent of the global population experienced a minimum of ten days of high temperatures. This alarming trend can be directly attributed to the 1.2C rise in the planet’s temperature since the Industrial Revolution, primarily fuelled by human activities releasing heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.

From heatwaves, droughts, and floods to hurricanes and wildfires, climate change is the direct cause of many humanitarian crises. In addition to its adverse impacts on the planet, these climate change-driven events also cause various respiratory ailments, food insecurity, water scarcity, social unrest, and conflict, as well as water and vector-borne diseases. The World Health Organisation states that the severe impacts of climate change on the health and well-being of humankind is accelerating at a rather faster pace.

A 2023 BCI survey was conducted to determine the effects of climate-related events on organisations. The participants of this survey stated that supply chain disruption (47.3 per cent), staff absence (45.9 per cent), temporary loss of premises (44.5 per cent), loss of power (41.8 per cent), and revenue loss (27.4 per cent) are their top concerns. The increasing effects of climate change are directly impacting the ability of organisations to operate seamlessly and maintain profitability.

To effectively tackle these challenges, businesses must proactively integrate sustainable practices, strengthening their climate resilience. This necessitates adopting an anticipatory mindset, investing into workforce resilience, building robust infrastructure, and establishing comprehensive early warning systems. The ‘Four A’ methodology - anticipate, assess, adapt, and assist - offers a strategic approach for organisations to navigate climate-related challenges, ensure efficiencies and business continuity. Workforce resilience, robust infrastructure, and comprehensive early warning systems are essential components of this approach.