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Implement identified adaptation actions

Implementing the identified adaptation actions requires a coordinated effort across the organization. This involves allocating the necessary resources, both financial and human, to implement the prioritized pathways. Clear governance structures and workflows should be established to oversee the execution of these actions, ensuring that all relevant teams are aligned and working towards the common goal. Regular progress updates and performance evaluations are essential to keep the adaptation efforts on track and make any necessary adjustments.

Invest in resilience and infrastructure

Finally, making appropriate resilience and infrastructure investments is key to supporting the long-term success of the adaptation strategy. These investments should be based on the risk analysis and prioritized pathways, focusing on enhancing the organization's ability to withstand and recover from climate impacts. This can include upgrading physical infrastructure, such as building flood defenses or retrofitting facilities to withstand extreme weather events, as well as investing in new technologies, implementing nature-based solutions (see nature-based solutions mapping) that most likely will have co-benefits with the local community, preparing workforce for disaster situations or putting corporate policies in place that improve overall resilience. By committing to these investments, businesses can ensure that they are not only protecting their assets and operations but also positioning themselves for future growth and sustainability.

Establish governance frameworks to oversee adaptation efforts

To effectively manage climate adaptation, businesses must establish robust governance frameworks. These frameworks should include clear roles and responsibilities throughout the journey to a climate resilient business. Assigning and overseeing these roles and responsibilities across different levels of business leadership is key for making coordinated progress in adaptation. As illustrated in the figure below, the roles and responsibility also could translate into different amounts of effort throughout the adaptation process across the different levels of management. For example, the contributions of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Risk Officer are expected to be highest in the initial phase, whereas the role of the Chief Financial Officer increases during the phase of maturing understanding and with contributions being rather balanced in the phase of building a strategic lens.

By creating dedicated teams or committees, organizations can ensure that adaptation efforts are coordinated and aligned with overall business strategies. This structured approach helps in maintaining focus and accountability throughout the adaptation process.

Partnerships and collaborations throughout the climate adaptation process

It is crucial to consider that businesses do not operate in a vacuum and that they cannot only be focused on themselves in their adaptation journey. Businesses must prioritize external partnerships and collaboration throughout the climate adaptation process, engaging both globally and locally to build collective resilience. Proactive stakeholder communications and collaboration with ecosystem partners are essential. Engaging with various stakeholder groups, such as governments, suppliers, and communities, helps address physical risks and foster joint resilience initiatives. Tailored local partnerships to ensure resilience in the supply chain are demonstrated by companies like Cargill, Nestlé or Unilever in their work with farmers and suppliers.