Businesses cold to climate change

The examples of successful responses to a changing world, singled out in a report released this month, are few and far between in a region that is vulnerable to climate change.

Companies that will be exposed to the ravages of dramatic shifts in the weather and natural disasters are yet to join the wave seeking green business answers, said the report, “Making Climate Your Business – Private Sector Adaptation in Southeast Asia”, brought out by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
”The private sector has been slow to react,” notes the 59-page publication. ”Thus far, business has shown less interest in addressing the impacts of climate change in its operations than the public sector and civil society … Climate change presents several major challenges for business with operations or customers/ suppliers in South-east Asia.”

The report was released in Bangkok to frame discussions at a conference on the role of the Asia-Pacific business community in adapting to climate change.

”Distant climate impacts may affect business if suppliers’ operations are disrupted. Operational risks also come from disruptions to infrastructure – if roads or railways are damaged or submerged, supplies cannot come in and finished goods cannot go to the market.”

SIDA director general Anders Nordstron said at the conference, which drew nearly 300 delegates from private corporations in the region, ”The train is rolling and if you are not on board, companies may lose business opportunities and politicians may lose votes.”

Asia Times