Business and Climate Change

It’s no secret that, in this strange passage of American history, the right wing of the United States has a huge issue with climate change.  Where 75% of Democrats believe that we’re already experiencing the effects of climate change, only 41% of Republicans agree.   

What’s probably more interesting, however, is that the world of business is in total accord with climate scientists.  It really has to be, when you think about it.  Business leaders have a responsibility to identify risks and avoid them, rather than pretending they don’t exist.  Want to stimulate a huge class action suit from shareholders?  Try basing your business decisions on what some scientifically illiterate loudmouth politician is telling the uneducated constituents he’s leading around by the nose.

Increasingly, the actuaries whose work supports the $5 trillion insurance industry (insurance spending makes up about 11 percent of America’s GDP) are reporting that climate change is the number one threat facing building owners.

Those with nothing at stake can call this a Chinese hoax, or say whatever they want about it.  On the other hand, big money has a way of clarifying matters, and removing the bullcrap.