How does global climate change affect enterprises in the Canton of Zurich? INFRAS completed a multi-stakeholder dialog on the opportunities and risks stemming from global climate change on international trade in Zurich within the pilot program “Adaptation to climate change” from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
Interrupted supply chains, production stoppages, or shortages of imports due to changes because of climate or extreme events: the importance of the international dimensions of climate change is also increasing for enterprises in the Canton of Zurich.
Opportunities and risks for the economy of the Canton of Zurich
Global climate change carries both opportunities and risks for Zurich enterprises, which tend to be closely linked to the rest of the world. Approximately four percent of Zurich imports of goods and six percent of exports of goods are distributed over ten particularly vulnerable countries around the globe. Which developments must the Zurich economy expect due to climate change, which supply chains are affected, and which concrete steps can enterprises take? Many companies ask these – and other questions as well.
Dialog between enterprises, professional associations, and government
Within the framework of the pilot project “Dialog on global climate change and enterprises at the economic site of Zurich”, INFRAS initiated a dialog to sensibilize enterprises and professional associations, this together with öbu (the association for sustainable economies), the climate platform of the Zurich economy, and the Canton and City of Zurich, and with funding from the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). In doing this, the project team discussed and analyzed challenges, needs for action, and possible solutions for the economy of the Canton of Zurich.
Brochure on the most important questions and answers
The brochure “Thinking about cross-border climate change impacts” summarizes the most important questions and answers on the effects of international climate change. Among other things, it exemplifies which chain of effects influence Zurich imports and exports due to global climate change, and how enterprises can react to the corresponding risks and opportunities.
Consulting offers from INFRAS
INFRAS provides consulting services on the theme of the international effects of climate change. The consulting services include:
- Targeted climate risk analysis for enterprises and sectors;
- Strategy development to integrate climate risks and opportunities;
- Events and knowledge transfer on themes such as climate change and climate risks in supply chains.
The sustainability compass developed by öbu, the association for sustainable economies, supports small and medium-sized enterprises with a Self-Check for the sustainable design of procurement and supply chain management. The self-check also analyzes possible risks to supply chains that can arise due to climate change and recommends actions on how procurement processes can be made more resilient.
Further information :
- Brochure “Thinking about cross-border climate change impacts” (available only in German)
- Fundamental report “International effect of climate change on the Canton of Zurich” (available only in German)
- Research project “Results of global climate change on Germany” (German Environmental Agency)
- Research project “Effects of climate change abroad – risks and opportunities for Switzerland” (Swiss Federal Office for the Environment)
Project team
