David is an internationally recognised climate change expert with over 20 years experience. He has published over 100 peer reviewed papers and reports and since 1993 has contributed as author, expert reviewer and inaugural co-manager of the Data Distribution Centre for the IPCC. David has developed and delivered large scale global programmes of activity on climate change issues in over 80 countries has managed numerous research projects for international agencies. David has been described as “World Class” during a debate in the UK Parliament. His recent report Climate Change and Business Survival demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding that cuts climate science to business planning and operations.
Presentation Title
Developing a Climate Resilient Business Case Approach to Engineering Solutions: Overcoming the Barriers to Implement a Climate Resilience Response
Abstract
In this paper we describe a web of complex and interlinked issues, concerns and needs that are preventing business action on climate change. We present a summary of these barriers, under four categories: cognitive; political; normative; and economic. These are then presented from a business perspective, that have been collated through practical examples and responses to climate change. These barriers are used to formulate a business response to climate resilience. This paper maps these barriers on to five key characteristics of climate resilience: aware; flexible; diverse; objective; and integrative.
We propose that by understanding these five characteristics and how they deal with the barriers to climate change resilience, and implementing these characteristics within business planning, design and operations, businesses can implement effective engineering solutions to climate change impacts. Through evidenced-based assessment and evaluation these solutions can be cost effective and deliver returns on investment.