Facing the Elements – A Business Message
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Case Studies Report
A BUSINESS MESSAGE
Facing the elements of climate change is an increasing reality for Canadian business. Already, we are experiencing early examples of climate change impacts. It is inevitable that these will increase in both severity and frequency in the years and decades to come. Climate change effects are pernicious and pervasive. And Canadian business needs to get ready.
For three years now, the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRT) has been studying and reporting on the economic risks and opportunities of climate change for Canada. Our Climate Prosperity program is advancing understanding of how and where climate change will impact our environment and economy and what we can do about it. While much of the discussion in our country and globally has been on how to reduce climate-changing carbon emissions, more and more, governments and business are considering what they will have to do to adapt — to build resilience — to climate change impacts already occurring and likely to grow in the years ahead.
Businesses are already on the frontline of climate change. Their infrastructure assets, their supply chains, operations, and reputation — indeed, their bottom line — are increasingly at risk due to weather and climate phenomena. Managing risk and exploiting opportunities is the subject of this unique compilation of Canadian and international case studies to successfully adapt to climate change.
From energy to resource companies, to small and bigger operators, from across Canada and strategic locations around the world, the NRT sought the experience and advice of what we call “climate pacesetters.” These firms have resolved to understand climate change impacts and act in the best interests of their business, their products and services, their employees, and the customers they serve.
Learn about the practical yet far-seeing actions already taken and being considered by frontline firms facing the elements of climate change. Understand what their experiences could mean for your firm. This is not just about coping with climate change, but prospering through it.
The NRT is grateful to these leaders for sharing their experiences and helping other Canadian businesses learn from them. This report is one of three we are releasing in spring 2012 on building business resilience through good climate adaptation steps and actions.
We trust you will find it useful.
David McLaughlin
NRT President and CEO
© 2013