The Impact of Climate Change

Climate change and what it means for you and your business.
water runoff

Despite all efforts made in terms of climate protection, the advance of climate change is unstoppable according to many scientists. The planet has never been hotter in recorded history and it continues to increase in temperature by just over 1 degree Celsius, or about 2 degrees Fahrenheit on an annual basis, as recorded by NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies. The effects of this increase in temperature are being felt everywhere.

 

Rising temperatures are fueling more frequent and severe natural hazards including longer and hotter heat waves, droughts, more severe wildfires, intense rainfall events, and more powerful hurricanes. The impacts of climate change are far-reaching, harming people and property around the globe.

The Greenhouse Effect – why temperatures are rising

  • Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gasses collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that have reflected off the earth’s surface. 
  • These pollutants can last for years to centuries in the atmosphere, which traps heat in the atmosphere causing the planet to get hotter, known as the greenhouse effect. 
  • The current era of climate change is directly attributable to human activity—specifically to our burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas, which results in the greenhouse effect.
  • Scientist agree that the impact of the greenhouse effect is causing more severe natural catastrophes across the globe.   

What climate change means for you and your business?

Climate change and extreme weather

While no business is immune to the impacts of climate change, below are resources to help mitigate risk and recover from an event, should one occur.

Wildfires & droughts
The effects of climate change on increasing temperatures, decreased precipitation levels, and decreased soil moisture have increased the fire season and acres at risk.
Extreme cold weather events
Climate change has caused the polar vortex to weaken allowing cold air to spill over and into traditionally warmer regions, leading to unexpected extreme cold temperatures.
Hurricanes, windstorms & floods
The United States has seen unprecedented weather and climate disasters that have been costlier and deadlier in the past five years.
Hail
Due to climate change, hailstorm likelihood has increased, enabling the formation of larger hailstones.
snow covered peaks
To The Point

Climate change and natural hazards resources to protect your business

Learn more about climate change and our resources that can help protect your business.