Preparing for Climate-Related Risks: Lessons from the Private Sector
Abstract
According to the National Climate Assessment, climate-related impacts can present wide-ranging and sometimes cascading risks across the economy and at all levels of government. This assessment and a study by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutionsa nonpartisan, nonprofit organizationreported that climate-related risks can affect businesses in a variety of ways. In addition, GAO has previously found that the federal government faces fiscal exposure from climate-related risks and that building in resilience to protect against future damage is one strategy to help manage these risks. On July 21, 2015, GAO convened a group of leaders to discuss: (1) businesses climate-related risks, actions to identify and manage them, and justification of resilience efforts; (2) interdependencies of business and government entities and implications for building resilience; and (3) challenges and opportunities for businesses and governments in addressing climate-related risks and building resilience. The participants, selected with assistance from the National Academies, included representatives from businesses, federal agencies, local governments, academia, and nongovernmental organizations. This report summarizes the discussion by forum participants. Comments expressed in the report do not necessarily represent the views of all participants, their organizations, or GAO. Participants reviewed a draft of this report, and GAO incorporated their comments, as appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1167817
Entities
People
- Anne Hobson
- Barbara Patterson
- Celia R. Mendive
- Cheryl Arvidson
- Cindy Gilbert
- Daniel Purdy
- Ellen Fried
- Eugene Louis Dodaro
- J. A. Gomez
- Kevin Bray
- Michelle R. Wong
- Monica Savoy
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office