Page 17 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT DECEMBER 2023

adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and humanitarian assistance for
greater resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change.

The 2024 Risk Map can be used as a tool to build a comprehensive view of the risk landscape
around the world.

Climate change increases health risks

International SOS is seeing a rising trend in the number of climate-related alerts being issued
to clients as rising global temperatures are increasing health risks around the world. Greater
support has been requested by businesses on this issue. There were 80% more medical alerts
issued by International SOS relating to climate change factors in 2023 compared to 2022. This
statistic highlights just how significant the issue is to businesses and their leaders.

Dr Irene Lai, Global Medical Director at International SOS comments, “Just one example, the
extreme heat events this year, with the first ever named heatwave “Cerberus” hitting Europe,
may become commonplace. In addition to the physical impacts of extreme heat, there can be
significant negative effects on mental health. It is essential businesses plan for this, adapting
our way of living and working to protect health, while also taking steps to slow and eventually
reverse the trend in rising temperatures.”

Changes to medical risk continue to vary across countries and regions. Two notable
improvements in medical risk this year are Bolivia and Côte d’Ivoire, largely based on the
gradual improvement in access to quality medical care, particularly in the major cities.

Geopolitical risks continue to dominate global security concerns

The Risk Map also provides a better understanding of the wider security situation in countries
which employees may be travelling through or working in. It helps to better inform