As reported on edie, new analysis has found that 74% of businesses have not assessed the risks climate change poses to their operations, despite a growing number already experiencing direct impacts from extreme weather

The findings are based on a survey of more than 10,000 businesses conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data shows that fewer than one in three organisations express concern about how climate change could affect their operations, even though 16% of businesses report being directly affected each year by events such as flooding, storms or extreme heat.

The analysis highlights that climate-related events are already disrupting business activity in a number of ways. One in five businesses (20%) reported damage to physical infrastructure, while 13% cited employee absence as a result of extreme weather. Disruption to supply chains was also evident, with 9% experiencing local supply chain issues and 5% affected at a global level.

The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that many businesses remain unprepared for the escalating impacts of the climate crisis.

Commenting on the analysis, David Thomas, head of energy and sustainability at Vail Williams, warned that widespread inaction is leaving organisations increasingly exposed.

“The findings of our data analysis are a stark reminder that too few businesses are taking the necessary steps to prepare for the realities of climate change. With three in four businesses failing to assess their climate risks, and even fewer taking meaningful action, many are leaving themselves exposed to increasingly frequent and severe weather events. The impacts – from damage to property and infrastructure to disrupted supply chains – are already being felt and will only intensify in the years ahead. Businesses can no longer afford to be reactive. They must act sooner to future-proof their operations. Those that fail to act risk potentially higher costs, reduced competitiveness and greater exposure to disruption.”