Climate change has increased the challenges for companies that depend on natural resources, complex infrastructure and supply chains. prolonged dry, heavy rains, heat waves and other extreme events can compromise production, stop operations, increase costs and affect the availability of raw materials. In this case, Understanding exposure to climate risks becomes an important part of planning and business continuity.
The economic dimension of this problem is already significant in Brazil. According to a survey by the National Confederation of Municipalities (CNM), released in October 2026, climatic events recorded between July and September affected 6,9 millions of people in 1.035 Brazilian municipalities, with losses estimated at R$ 12,6 billion. Although impacts are unevenly distributed across regions and economic activities, The numbers show how the occurrence of extreme events can generate losses that exceed environmental limits and affect infrastructure, production and the local economy.
How climate risks affect companies
Climate risks can manifest themselves in different ways, depending on location, the sector in which it operates and the operational characteristics of each business. The so-called physical risks are therefore associated with the direct effects of climate phenomena, both in acute events, like floods and storms, as in chronic changes, such as rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns.
In agribusiness, These effects can compromise productivity, water availability and the supply of agricultural inputs. In industry, may affect the supply of raw materials, energy and water consumption and the integrity of facilities. Nonetheless, in the transport and logistics sectors, extreme events can disrupt routes, damage structures and cause delays in the distribution of products.
Exposure can also occur indirectly, through suppliers and business partners. A company may be located in a region that is less vulnerable to certain events, but rely on raw materials produced in areas prone to drought or flooding. That is why, Assessing only the risks present in the facilities themselves can result in an incomplete view of the business's vulnerabilities.
Examples of climate impacts on business
These impacts are not just potential. An example is the survey published by Natura in its Financial Information Report Related to the Sustainability of 2025. The company identified that products associated with Amazonian ingredients are vulnerable to climate change, like Brazil nuts, cupuaçu and murumuru, represented R$ 584,2 million in sales in the year, equivalent to 2,6% of your net income. This value does not correspond to a loss already recorded, but to the revenue associated with products whose availability may be compromised by changes in weather conditions. The company also identified vulnerabilities in physical installations, demonstrating that exposure can involve both the supply chain and operational infrastructure.
In the transport sector, the effects appear differently. A survey by the National Transport Confederation (CNT), published in 2025, pointed out that 70,6% of the companies consulted. They had recorded direct financial losses related to extreme weather events in the previous five years. Among the carriers surveyed, almost one in four reported losses greater than R$ 1 million. The results show how damage to infrastructure, Route interruptions and additional operating costs can turn weather events into concrete financial problems.
The examples show that climate exposure is not limited to physical damage caused by an event. It can also compromise the supply of inputs, the regularity of operations and the fulfillment of commercial commitments. That is why, Assessing only your own facilities can offer an incomplete view of the risks: It is also necessary to consider suppliers, logistics partners and other essential steps in the value chain.
From identifying risks to prevention
Climate risk management begins with understanding the organization’s vulnerabilities. This involves identifying facilities, Law Suit, critical resources and suppliers, considering its location and the possibility of exposure to different weather events. The survey must be complemented by historical information, climate projections and operational data that allow evaluating possible consequences for business activity.
From this diagnosis, it is possible to prioritize risks according to their probability, severity and potential financial and operational impact. This step helps direct resources to the most relevant vulnerabilities and establish preventive measures compatible with the reality of each business..
Possible actions include improving water planning, the review of structures and drainage systems, diversification of suppliers, the definition of strategic stocks and the elaboration of contingency plans. The choice of measures therefore depends on the characteristics of the operation and the scenarios evaluated., there is no single solution applicable to all companies.
Thus, It is also important to establish indicators to monitor the evolution of risks and the effectiveness of the measures adopted. Water consumption information, operational interruptions, dependence on suppliers and environmental events can contribute to identifying trends, guide decisions and review adaptation strategies over time.
From risk management to business strategy
The incorporation of climate risks into business planning requires integration between environmental areas, operational, financial and management. The structuring of environmental data, the definition of indicators and the monitoring of action plans make it possible to transform scattered information into support for decision making, in addition to strengthening the response capacity of organizations in the face of adverse scenarios.
In this process, environmental management and ESG strategy play an important role in identifying vulnerabilities, in defining priorities and monitoring preventive measures. More than recognizing the risks, it is necessary to establish processes that allow monitoring them and integrating their results into business management.
biO3 supports companies in structuring ESG strategies, in environmental management and the development of sustainability indicators, contributing to a more organized view of impacts, risks and opportunities related to environmental performance. Logo, Integrating this information into corporate planning is an important step towards strengthening business resilience and preparing organizations for current and future climate challenges.
Want to understand better? Get in touch.