Business and Climate Change

Aberystwyth University

Our Planet is facing a ‘Climate Emergency’. Climate Change is the greatest environmental challenge the world has ever faced. Man-made carbon emissions have resulted in unprecedented rises in global temperatures, which is having significant impacts on human, social, political, economic and natural systems. The relationship between climate change and society is highly complex, however, we have the knowledge and the technology to reduce our impact on the climate, and thus ease the pressures on the world's most vulnerable places, people and wildlife. We just need to make it happen. Businesses are a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions; but they are also part of the solution. Climate change thus represents both a risk and an opportunity to business performance. Businesses that do not respond to the climate challenge are likely to face higher costs in terms of carbon taxes and a reduced customer base. In contrast, more progressive businesses, who adapt by decarbonizing and developing green products are likely to increase their financial, social, and environmental performance – their triple Bottom Line.