Mainstreaming adaptation

There are a number of business functions and management systems that already attempt to deal with issues that have similarities to the likely consequences of weather and climate. Some of these are listed below. Where they exist, they represent an opportunity for mainstreaming adaptation.

Risk management, business continuity planning, disaster recovery or crisis management

The risk of extreme weather events could already be dealt with by these, in which case all that may be required is to revisit the level of risk assigned or the priority given in light of the changing climate. For example, has adequate consideration been given to extreme weather events that there has been no history of but for which the risk is increasing. Note also that often the focus is operational so that more strategic threats and opportunities such as those arising from gradual changes or the impact of climate change on lifestyles, skills and markets may need additional thought.

Contracts

How are these used to share risk between suppliers, contractors and customers? Is there scope for explicit mention of weather and climate related problems. How does this affect relationships and reputations, in some cases strategic partnering, strategic sourcing or sharing information may be more effective adaptation measures than adding extra clauses to contracts.

Health and safety arrangements

High temperatures in the office or other considerations related to potentially uncomfortable or dangerous working conditions, particularly for those working outside. The existing H&S policy, risk assessments, responsibilities and reporting mechanisms can be used.

Quality management

There may be implications for the quality of the product or service for example temperature sensitive products could fail or stormy weather could hinder efforts to keep to construction deadlines. Adaptation is not strictly speaking an environmental concern since it is concerned with the climate’s impact on the business rather than the business’s impact on the climate. However, it may be possible to use existing mechanisms for ensuring a consistent and high quality product or service, such as testing, reporting, production procedures and customer feedback.

Environmental management

Few SMEs have environmental managers, however, increasingly environmental management systems or other standards or accreditations are used. There may be implications for the impact that a business has on the environment, for example increased odour from production in hotter summers.

Business planning or strategic planning

Where there is some formal planning it is unlikely that the planning horizons are consistent with the timescales involved in climate change. However, these processes can be used by either reconsidering timescales in light of CC, focussing on building resilience to the weather, adaptive management approach.