The nature of business

Covid-19 is placing our relationship with the planet under intense scrutiny. Business leaders are now
asking themselves just how ready they are to tackle a growing climate crisis. 

New research commissioned by MS&AD and conducted by Longitude, a Financial Times company, surveyed
541 organizations across Asia to find out about their sustainability strategies, hear their views on
biodiversity and learn how they are facing up to the risks of an unhealthy planet.

The results show that awareness of climate risks is growing and action is underway. But they also show
that a coordinated response will take time. 

Policymakers and organizations continue to set ambitious climate targets, so businesses have a lot to
do. Acknowledging the scale of the task is the first step.

Material risks now loom larger

Sustainability is a critical management issue for the majority of companies, and Covid-19 has increased
their sense of urgency. 

More than eight in 10 organizations (83%) say they are more aware that environmental degradation makes
pandemics more likely. 
A similar number (81%) know they will need new skills to improve how
they track potential risks. Asked about the greatest material risks to their businesses, they point to
the quality of air and water. But with a loss of biodiversity and extreme weather events also a concern,
an integrated response to these threats is needed.