Climate change is already causing more intense heat phases or more frequent droughts in this country. This also has some effects on German companies. But only a minority adapts.
According to a study, around every seventh German company has adapted to global warming and its consequences. In a survey by the state development bank KfW, 14 percent stated that they would take such measures – such as insulating their buildings more effectively for better heat protection or arming rooms and systems against flooding.
For the representative evaluation, which is available to the German Press Agency, KfW surveyed almost 11,000 companies last year. In contrast to small and medium-sized companies, large companies are further along – more than half (57 percent) of them are already taking appropriate measures.
Also investments in climate protection
According to KfW, companies that adapt also invest significantly more frequently in climate protection. According to the experts, this is probably due to the fact that there is a greater awareness of the crisis and its worsening consequences.
Currently, 15 percent of companies see themselves affected by the negative consequences of climate change, but larger companies much more frequently (44 percent) than smaller ones. Around a quarter of the companies surveyed assume that they will be adversely affected by the effects of climate change. For example, weather-related disruptions to operations or supply chains are expected, for example because crops fail, cooling water is scarce or low water levels in rivers impede transport.
Source: Stern
