Page 12 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT FEBRUARY 2024

Climate Change Risks Exposed: International SOS Data Highlights
Urgent Need for Preparedness, Sharing Key Advice for Businesses

UAE, February 29, 2024: International SOS, the world's leading health and security services

company, today highlights insight from the International SOS Risk Outlook 2024 report ,
1
shedding light on the profound impact of climate change on businesses worldwide. The report
reveals important statistics, indicating a growing awareness among respondents regarding the

significant ramifications of climate-related phenomena on various aspects of operations and
employee wellbeing. This is not a surprise for many, as 72% of respondents believe that

extreme weather events will have a significant impact on their business or people in 2024,
underscoring the tangible impact of environmental shifts expected on business operations.

In the Middle East, 62% of respondents, when reflecting on the past 12-month experience,
perceive an increase in risks related to health, wellbeing, and security. Meanwhile, 20%

maintain that these risks have stayed constant, with a further 18% indicating a decrease.

The International SOS Risk Outlook 2024 report also outlines the diverse consequences for

the workforce, including increased health risks such as heat-related illnesses and associated
decreased productivity. Extreme weather events also have the potential to lead to disruptions

in global supply chains. Beyond the physical implications, mental health and absenteeism are
also key factors, as climate anxiety grips people across the world.

Looking ahead; what will the impact be in 2024:

• 48% of respondents reported that climate change anxiety is an issue that they have
encountered among their workforces.

• 42% of respondents think that their organisation is not necessarily fully prepared to
respond to / mitigate disruptions caused by climate activism.

• 41% of respondents think that their organisation is not necessarily fully prepared to
respond to / mitigate environmental threats.
• 26% of respondents have already reported operational disruption attributed to climate

change.

1. The International SOS Risk Outlook 2024, based on a survey of 675 global senior risk professionals, exposes gaps in the protection of employee health and security such as risk perception, mental
health, productivity impacts and operational challenges. The survey is complemented with interpretations and predictions from the Workforce Resilience Council, as well as extensive proprietary data and
analysis from International SOS. The Workforce Resilience Council is made up of representative experts from all health, security, and safety fields. The participants in this year’s Council are from a mix of
think tanks, associations, advisory boards, NGOs, and IGOs, relevant to the risks of working at home or abroad.