Big corporations around have begun to recognize that climate change is a real threat. Many have put structures in place to cope with the situation when it arrives. And many others are currently analyzing how global warming will impact on their business operations. These companies find climate change an approaching disaster, and others see it a situation to benefit from.
Coca-Cola reveals in a submission that climate change could lead to serious water shortages for its beverage bottling operations, limiting availability of Coca-Cola products to consumers. This may affect the beverage giant’s operations worldwide, leading to scarcity of the soft drink or increased prices for the products.
Intel said climate change and water scarcity will affect production of quality computers, leading to higher operational costs for computer systems and parts. Intel made it clear that access to quality water is needed to manufacture computers, and lack of water will impact production.
Disney revealed that climate change will lead to hotter summers and colder winters, two extreme temperatures that force funseekers to stay at home. When people cannot visit Disney’s theme parks and other recreational facilities, the organization may soon go out of business and that is why climate change can cause.
About 7,000 big companies around the world responded to requests by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) to tell how climate change will affect their business. CDP is based in the UK and urges major corporations to be ready to absorb the effects of climate change by getting prepared for it. The think-tank asks large companies to reveal what their plans are in readiness for global warming.
When CDP did the same thing in 2013, only 4,500 corporations revealed their plans for climate change. But having nearly 7,000 respondents this time around shows big corporations are taking the issues of environmental changes quite seriously. Many of the companies agree climate change could be catastrophic and are preparing for the best way to comply with it.
While Coca-Cola and Disney among others fear for the coming disaster, others such as pharmaceutical giant Merck think the situation will present a business opportunity to them. The drug company said people will get sick with global warming and tropical diseases will surface, opportunities they need to develop and market treatment drugs for these situations.
With waterborne illnesses and weather-related diseases occuring with global warming, the drug company envisages an enlarged market for tropical drugs to treat any maladies and get richer in the process.
Home Depot also plans to sell more ceiling fans and air-conditioners with risen temperatures when the fearful environmental changes occur. Apple also says it will modify its iPhones to serve as first-aid devices when emergencies happen. The iPhones can function as a flashlight, siren, radio, and even provide first-aid instructions to help people.
AT&T predicts that storms generated by climate change may destroy cell towers and damage transmission equipment, causing signal outages and other related problems.