Raising the issue

Awareness of the need to prepare for the impacts of climate change is currently very low within the small business community – there may be little opportunity for business advisors to begin making the business case for adaptation.

However, several core business functions are likely to suffer the impacts of weather and climate so it may be possible to raise the issue during the types of discussions business advisors regularly have with SMEs. For example, advice relating to the choice of new contractors, equipment or business location should take account of their vulnerability to climate and weather.

See Mainstreaming adaptation for more information and ideas of the types of discussions that consideration of climate and weather could be incorporated into.