Whether we like it or not, whether it’s man-made or not: climate change is coming, and it’s going to affect us in ways that we can’t fully understand yet. Hopefully, the effects will be minimal, but in business as in life, it’s always worth preparing for the worst so that there are no surprises whatever the eventuality. Below, we take a look at how you can ready your business for the forthcoming changes so that your .
Work out how it’ll affect you
Before you do anything, it’s worth investigating how climate change is going to affect you. Most people think that it’s only rising sea levels that’ll matter, but this is not the case, and if you’re based in-land then it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be fine. Once you have a clear understanding of how climate change might affect your area, you’ll be in a better position to make a plan for moving forward.
Secure your property
Your business will be in trouble if you lose one of the most significant assets you have: your premises. As such, it’s essential that you check out the average cost of commercial property insurance and make sure you’re protected against environmental catastrophes. Climate change is likely to bring more unpredictable weather, and that means buildings will be at a greater risk of flooding due to heavy storms, or fire due to wildfires.
Look to the web
It’s not just how all of this will affect your company; it’s also worth considering how it will affect the people who provide you with your income: your customers. Adverse weather does change the way people spend their money. Unsurprisingly, data shows that more people show online when the weather is bad. As such, this might be the time to give your website a makeover and to develop a more robust, long-term online strategy. You should always be one step ahead of where your customers are going to be so that you’re there when they finally arrive.
Where are your suppliers?
As well as your customers, take a look at how a changing climate might affect your suppliers. You’ll rely on them for the success of your business, and if they struggle, then you struggle. This will be more important if you have suppliers from overseas, as climate change is likely to affect the flow of goods.
Spread awareness
More people than ever before are waking up the dangers posed to the planet. And they’re showing their support for climate change policies by boycotting the companies who have poor environmental records. It’s a new, progressive world we’re living in, and if you’re unconcerned with the dangers of climate change, then you might be perceived as old-fashioned by the younger generation. Spread awareness, change anything you need to change, and take a stand: you’ll win favor with your customers, and also be doing the right thing.
It’s too soon to tell what world we’ll be living in in the coming decades. But fail to prepare, and prepare to fail.
Contributors
