I started my small business, I was prepared for the usual challenges managing cash flow, finding the right employees, and marketing my products. What I wasn’t prepared for was the devastating impact of extreme weather, which nearly destroyed everything I had worked so hard to build. As climate change intensifies, more businesses will face the same threats, and I want to share what I wish I’d known before disaster struck.
The Day Everything Changed
It was a typical summer day, and the forecast predicted some rain. But what came was far beyond a passing shower. Within hours, a severe storm had developed, bringing torrential downpours, hail, and hurricane-force winds. By the time the storm passed, my business was in ruins. Floodwaters had seeped into the building, damaging inventory, equipment, and the very structure of the premises. The storm had knocked out power for days, causing additional losses as perishables spoiled and operations ground to a halt.
As I stood in the wreckage, I realized that I had underestimated the power of extreme weather and the growing risks posed by climate change. My insurance covered some of the damages, but the disruption to my business was catastrophic. Customers were left in the lurch, orders were delayed, and my reputation took a hit. It took months to get back on track, and even then, the financial scars were deep.
Climate Change: A Growing Threat to Businesses
The storm that almost wiped out my business was not a freak occurrence. In the years since, I’ve seen more and more extreme weather events—each one a reminder that climate change is no longer a distant concern but a present danger. Scientists have been warning us for years that global temperatures are rising, leading to more frequent and severe weather events. Heatwaves, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires are becoming the new normal, and they’re hitting businesses hard.
For many business owners, the threat of climate change feels abstract—something that happens to other people in far-off places. But the reality is that no one is immune. Whether it’s a factory in the heartland of America, a retail store on the coast, or a tech startup in a city, climate change is a risk that every business needs to take seriously.
What I Wish I’d Known
Looking back, there are several things I wish I’d known about climate change and its impact on my business. These lessons came at a high cost, but they’re invaluable for anyone who wants to protect their livelihood in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Understand the Risks: Climate change affects different regions in different ways. In my case, I didn’t realize that the area where my business was located was prone to flooding. Understanding the specific climate risks in your area—whether it’s flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, or droughts—is the first step in protecting your business.
Invest in Resilience: After the storm, I invested in flood barriers, backup generators, and improved drainage systems. These measures weren’t cheap, but they’ve already paid for themselves several times over. Building resilience into your business infrastructure whether through physical upgrades or operational changes can make the difference between surviving a disaster and going under.
Diversify Supply Chains: The storm disrupted not just my business but also my supply chains. My suppliers were hit hard, leading to delays and shortages. Since then, I’ve diversified my supply chains, ensuring that I’m not overly reliant on any single source. This has helped mitigate the impact of extreme weather on my operations.
Stay Informed: Weather patterns are changing rapidly, and staying informed is crucial. I’ve learned to monitor weather reports closely and use tools that provide early warnings of extreme weather events. This has allowed me to take proactive steps to protect my business, from moving inventory to safer locations to adjusting my work schedule.
Engage with the Community: Extreme weather doesn’t just affect businesses it affects entire communities. By engaging with local government, emergency services, and other businesses, I’ve been able to collaborate on disaster preparedness and response efforts. Building strong community ties can help you access resources and support when you need them most.
Plan for the Long Term: Finally, I’ve learned the importance of long-term planning. Climate change is not going away, and businesses need to adapt to this new reality. This means factoring climate risks into business planning, from choosing locations for new facilities to deciding on investments in technology and infrastructure.
Looking Forward
The storm that nearly destroyed my business was a wake-up call. It forced me to confront the reality of climate change and its potential to disrupt everything I had worked for. But it also taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptation, and the importance of being proactive.
Today, my business is stronger and better prepared for the challenges ahead. I’ve invested in resilience, diversified my operations, and engaged with my community. But perhaps most importantly, I’ve embraced the idea that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a business issue.
As more businesses face the threats posed by extreme weather, I hope that my story can serve as a cautionary tale. Climate change is here, and it’s changing the way we live and work. By understanding the risks, investing in resilience, and planning for the long term, businesses can not only survive but thrive in the face of these challenges. The time to act is now, before the next storm hits.
