Page 136 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT FEBRUARY 2024

the Middle East reliant on an outdoor workforce. As temperatures rise,
productivity diminishes gradually. However, beyond a certain
threshold,operations can grind to a halt due to unsafe working conditions.
From high temperatures, worsening air quality and the spread of
emerging diseases to the mental health toll of natural disasters and
climate anxiety, we are seeing a concerning trend. In fact, air pollution is
the leading environmental cause of illness and premature death across
the world. The changing climate patterns are also leading to the
emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases in previously unaffected
areas. Furthermore, climate change events are also negatively affecting
individuals’ mental health. This could be an immediate consequence from
experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder due to a natural disaster, or
from the constant exposure to the global catastrophic events, causing a
longer-term climate anxiety and depression amongst individuals.”
“At International SOS, we saw a significant increase in the number of
climate-related alerts
we issued last year. Throughout January – November 2023, we saw a
fourfold increase in
climate related alerts issued to our clients, with 80% more medical
climate-related alerts
compared to the previous year. This surge underscores the critical need
for organisations to
understand the complex interplay between climate change and health
risks.”
Dr Marie-Louise Van Eck, thinks that organisations should take heed from
the losses that
can be incurred by extreme weather events, investing in climate
preparedness can help
ensure a business weathers a storm. “Climate change is of course a key
environmental
concern, but importantly, also a critical factor intensifying risks for
individuals and
companies. Although until recently, climate change has rarely been seen
as the singular
driver of conflict or security issues, the impacts of climate change
considerably exacerbate
existing tensions, vulnerabilities and operational challenges.
The cascading impacts of climate change can be the spark that ignites
civil unrest, violence
and security issues at high level, as well as amplifies existing political and
socio-economic
insecurities.
“It is more important than ever for organisations monitor these events,
prioritise climate
resilience and incorporate proactive measures into their operational
frameworks. This year,
the International SOS Risk Map 2024 includes a layer which outlines

https://mid-east.info/climate-change-risks-exposed-international-sos-data-highlights-urgent-
need-for-preparedness-sharing-key-advice-for-businesses/