For a long period, the discussion about climate change has not been bothering ordinary Kenyans as they have always felt it is beyond their reach. However, with the effects of climate change becoming more evident in the recent past, especially in depressed rainfall and the subsequent drough and famine, street talks have emerged touching on the phenomenon.
However, these effects are not expected to be limited to agriculture and issues to do with drought. Far-reaching consequences will be felt across all sectors of the economy, and businesses, both small and big will have to adjust to the dynamics of the change or otherwise be wiped out.
Below are some of the effects of climate change on businesses in Kenya.
Interruption to supply chains
With climate change, the supply chain automatically becomes flawed, especially among small and medium businesses. For businesses that rely on agricultural products, the suppressed production means that there will be a decreased flow to where they are supposed to be sold.
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Fluctuating demands
Fluctuating demands results when the supply chain becomes unrealiable. The demands for products varies with what a business utilizes to run its day to day activties, but there are universal needs such as electricty. With decreased waters, eelectricty production becomes unpredictable hence occasional increase in prices for the commodity when the demand is more than the supply.
Health of employees
Businesses are also dealt a big blow by climate change when it comes to funding the health concerns of their staff. With climate change, cases of cardiovascular diseases, mental health and infectious diseases rise due to extreme weather conditions. This becomes a burden to companies and businesses that seek to obtain medical coverage for their employees.
Lower productivity
High temperatures and increased air pollution characterize changes in the climate. Although climate change activists have overlooked this concern, such conditions are unfavorable for work and makes the overall productivity of employees low.
Environmental responsibility.
Since the issue of climate change begun to attract global attention, many businesses and corporations have been forced to respond by initiating climate-sensitive ways of doing business. Others have had to channel funds towards combating the change as a means of corporate social responsibility. In the fight to remain atop in supporting climate change mitigation measures, some businesses have been compelled to act beyond their capabilities for the sake of maintaining their reputation.
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