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

Commenting on the medical outlook, Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director – Indian Subcontinent cautions, “We are witnessing an increased severity of extreme weather events like storms, wildfires, and cloudbursts in the past years. Worsening air quality and the emergence of new diseases are concerning trends. The progressive worsening of heat waves has raised an alarm that we may approach the human limits of survivability by mid-century. While the physical impact of climate change on vulnerable populations is obvious, the not-so-visible damage that any climate event can cause to mental health is far more serious and will affect more people across all age groups. While organisations have been trying to reduce the impact of their actions on the environment, it has now become crucial for them to protect their people from the health and wellbeing consequences of climate change.

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.”

Udit Mehta, Executive Vice President and Director of Operations for International SOS 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 climate change risks, an important tool for strategic planning. This provides quantified estimates of the impacts of climate change on the future risk of humanitarian crises and disasters. This risk index is intended to inform policy choices across climate mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and humanitarian assistance for greater resilience to the adverse impacts of climate change.”

Top Five Practical Measures for Organisations to Mitigate Climate Change Risks and Safeguard their Workforce in 2024:

1.    Develop a comprehensive climate risk management plan: strategically map climate change impacts on operations to inform mitigation strategies and investments effectively.

2.    Engage employees across the organisation: foster collaboration among HR, risk managers, and the C-suite to harness diverse expertise in combating climate-related risks.

3.    Enhance security protocols and prioritize medical preparedness: establish a system to identify, assess, and control health and security risks related to climate change. Understand the capacity of local healthcare facilities and ensure access to medical care during disruptions.

4.    Provide workforce with adequate emotional support solutions: implement programmes to address the mental health impacts of climate change on employees, such as anxiety, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

5.    Leverage external expertise and data: harness the insights and support of third-party experts to conduct a climate vulnerability risk assessment and learn best practice to navigate the complexities of climate risk management effectively.

As businesses navigate the evolving landscape shaped by climate change, International SOS remains committed to providing essential guidance and support to ensure the safety and well being of employees worldwide.

The post Climate Change Risks Exposed: International SOS Data Highlights Urgent Need For Preparedness: Sharing Key Advice for Businesses appeared first on NRI News.

PUNE: International SOS, the world’s leading health and security services company, has reported an almost 15% increase in requests for dengue-related information and assistance in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. With dengue fever on the rise globally, organizations are advised to take proactive measures to safeguard their workforce from the potentially severe viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around half of the global population is at risk of dengue, and there is a potential for a record level of cases worldwide. India is of particular concern, where the spread of dengue has increased by 1312% since 1996. In 2022 alone, over 233,251 cases were reported from 35 states. The neighboring country of Bangladesh is also witnessing a surge in dengue cases linked to prolonged periods of rain and flooding.

Dr. Vikram Vora, Medical Director, Indian Subcontinent at International SOS, emphasized the critical need for widespread awareness of the disease and its prevention to minimize the impact of dengue on individuals and communities. While a majority of those infected are likely to have mild symptoms, some people can require hospitalization, and fatalities are not uncommon. The risk of severe dengue is higher in people who have had past dengue infections. Dengue is primarily prevented by avoiding mosquito bites, and organizations are recommended to conduct dengue risk and impact assessments of their locations of operation as well as the locations their employees travel to.

International SOS provides the top five guidelines for organizations to protect their employees from dengue fever, including pre-travel planning, mosquito bite prevention, environmental control, employee education, and providing medical support.

In conclusion, organizations are urged to be proactive in safeguarding their workforce from dengue, and prevention remains the best strategy against the potentially severe viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes.

The post Dengue Cases on the Rise; International SOS Urges Proactive Measures appeared first on NRI News.