Adapting to climate change is only a secondary priority for leaders:

This study shows that entrepreneurs postpone their course to action and cannot focus on the risks posed by global warming for the moment. Managers are concentrating on other risks that are perceived as priorities, and only 12% of them have defined an adaptation strategy. This leaves their companies vulnerable to the growing impacts of climate change, which can already be affecting the value chain through price rises, delivery delays and reduced customer traffic.

A pressing need for diagnostic tools for SME managers:

Managers of SMEs lack a comprehensive, structured strategy based on a detailed understanding of the issues at stake. For example, 60% of the managers surveyed admit that they are unaware of the support and funding mechanisms available to them to adapt their business to climate change, and only 16% have carried out a climate vulnerability assessment. This applies not just to entrepreneurs, but to the entire ecosystem. In fact, only 23% of respondents to our survey had been asked by their insurance company about the measures taken by their business to adapt to climate change.

The triggers for action to adapt are varied, but personal conviction plays a central role:

The personal conviction of managers is often the primary driver, well ahead of perceived opportunities or external constraints. Past climate disasters, such as floods, heatwaves, droughts or storms, also play a crucial role in prompting companies to take action to avoid future business interruptions. In addition, discussions with employees, insurers and professional federations help to raise climate issues and encourage the implementation of adaptation measures.

Ademe is the French ecological transition Agency