While the scale and scope of the impacts of climatic change on society may be uncertain, direct impacts are more obvious. These include physical damage to property, failure of infrastructure and an increased likelihood of interruption in the supply of essential resources and services. There are also major implications of changes in the climate with regard to where we live, what we make and how we make them. Adapting our way of life and our businesses to take account of the changing climate is not being widely considered, yet a business-as-usual approach is increasingly untenable.

As always, where there is risk there is opportunity. Now is the time to assess the risks, not just in terms of what it means to our own existence but also what it means for others, and to seek out the opportunities to be secured from pursuing a more sustainable agenda. This white paper is intended be a catalyst for discussion around the risk issues raised by a changing climate. But more than that, we hope it acts as a guide to executives on how they can make their business more sustainable, highlighting the benefits derived from such actions. There are, of course, risks and costs in adopting a more sustainable approach. Soon, the risks in choosing to do nothing may be much greater.