How sustainability and climate risks are changing business travel

ESG Risk Review spoke to Mike Rogers, chief security analyst, International SOS, about how sustainability and climate risks are changing business travel and how there has been a shift in the way organisations approach business travel risk management.

As the effects of climate change escalate, business travellers are navigating an increasingly uncertain landscape and organisations must now address a whole new layer of risk, according to Rogers.

He points to International SOS’ Risk Outlook Report 2024, which found that nearly half of organisations surveyed reported their operations being impacted by climate change, with extreme weather expected to present a significant challenge in the coming year.

“This necessitates that organisations prioritise understanding the specific risks posed by climate change on travel and business continuity,” he says. “This need is evidenced by the quadrupling of climate-related advisories issued by International SOS in 2023 compared to the previous year.”

Organisations are also increasingly aware of the impact of their travel footprint on the environment. “We are witnessing several changes in the way organisations approach travel as it relates to sustainability, and many are developing and implementing travel policies that encourage employees to make ecological choices where possible. Whether it is in their choice of transport or accommodation, there is a growing demand for tools and solutions to travel more sustainably,” says Rogers.

Climate change is clearly exacerbating business travel risks by increasing the uncertainty, intensity, frequency and geographic scope of climate incidents, he notes, pointing to storms, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and monsoons all increasing in severity and ability to disrupt travel and increasing the risks for travellers.

The devastating wildfires that raged across Europe in the summer of 2023 caused widespread environmental damage and significantly disrupted travel. Rogers says related flight cancellations and road disruptions have become more commonplace, leaving travellers stranded and businesses facing logistical challenges.

Similarly, during the 2023 monsoon season, South Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh, witnessed record-breaking rainfall that triggered widespread floods and landslides, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, including airports, roads, and railways, again leading to travel disruptions.

“Additionally, changing climate patterns are leading to the emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases in previously unaffected areas, exposing travellers to new health risks,” says Rogers. “The indirect consequences, including climate-induced food insecurity and water scarcity, can also lead to social unrest and conflict, further creating volatile and unpredictable travel environments.”

The International SOS Risk Outlook 2024 report also found that almost half the organisations surveyed believe that their business or their people will be impacted by climate activism. And disruptive climate protests are one of the security challenges that organisations say they are least prepared to face.

Business travel risk management

According to Rogers, navigating today’s travel landscape demands a shift in the way organisations approach business travel risk management. “Employers play a pivotal role in mitigating these evolving risks by implementing robust risk management frameworks, conducting thorough pre-trip assessments and providing clear guidelines and ongoing support to travellers throughout their journeys. A more in-depth, proactive approach is increasingly crucial, while travelling employees need to be well prepared, risk-aware and confident of supporting resources,” he says.

Rogers believes that empowering business travellers to navigate challenging destinations safely starts with comprehensive pre-trip measures, with personalised risk assessments tailored to individual needs, profiles, activities, and destinations providing travellers with granular insights into potential threats. In-depth briefings equip employees with crucial knowledge, covering not just the political climate and cultural norms, but also health risks and emergency protocols specific to their itinerary, he says.

Additionally, equipping employees with real-time information access through mobile apps and swift emergency communication tools “fosters preparedness, promotes informed decision-making, and instils peace of mind throughout their journey”, he adds.

Rogers believes that a comprehensive approach that prioritises employee wellbeing, both physical and mental, while proactively mitigating risks in a changing climate is key. “Pre-travel and pre-assignment measures lay the foundation. Tailored risk assessments should not only consider political instability and crime, but also delve into potential climate and health threats specific to destinations. Detailed briefings should also equip employees with cultural sensitivities, local security situations, emergency response protocols and climate hazard awareness,” he says.

He stresses the importance of regularly reviewing and updating occupational health and safety policies to ensure employee wellbeing is paramount. “The more frequent and intensified extreme weather events have introduced new occupational health risks. Organisations must move beyond reactive measures and adopt a proactive, climate-aware approach that involves regularly reviewing and updating health and safety policies, as well as conducting climate vulnerability assessments.”

Finally, Rogers says local partnerships with security providers, healthcare institutions and government agencies offer valuable insights and on-the-ground assistance. “By implementing these comprehensive measures, organisations can create a secure and supportive environment for their global workforce, fostering not only physical safety but also mental wellbeing, resilience, and ultimately, business continuity in the evolving global landscape,” he says.