'Once a century’ climate events now occur yearly due to the global impact of climate change, presenting a major threat to businesses in 2023, both operationally and in terms of protecting personnel.

As natural disasters increase in frequency and intensity, travel risk management consultancy, Healix International, is calling on businesses to carry out urgent climate risk assessments to gauge their degree of exposure to natural disasters and associated operational challenges, as well as implement suitable mitigation and safety procedures.

The company's annual Risk Outlook report, published this week, outlines and analyses the key risks and challenges facing businesses for the upcoming year, shows that rising sea levels and warmer temperatures have already increased the rate of rainfall during hurricanes, heightening and strengthening their impact.

The duration and frequency of wildfires and drought has also increased, exacerbating water and food shortages. In Australia, for example, the bushfire season has increased by an average of 27 days in just 40 years.

Chris Job, director of Risk Management Services at Healix International, comments: “Most businesses understand that climate change is a pressing global issue, but it’s vital to consider the material implications that a natural disaster would have on the day-to-day running and security of their company. Not only will it drastically impact a company’s ability to do business, but it will also put their employees at risk, both at home and abroad. With once in a century natural disasters now becoming a yearly occurrence, putting a mitigation strategy in place is vital.

"By implementing the necessary measures and introducing enhanced safety procedures, companies will be better positioned to protect people, assets and operations in the event they are caught up in a natural disaster. As with most things, taking steps to protect against these risks now will deliver a far better outcome than trying to react and solve them at the time.”

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