by Michael Kraten, PhD, CPA
Two weeks ago, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs declared a freeze on the development of certain new homes in the Phoenix suburbs. Apparently, climate change’s imposition of drought conditions on the American West is constricting the public water supply and imperiling economic growth.
Some presume that, over time, such challenges in America’s southernmost regions will drive environmental migration into more hospitable areas. Certain prognosticators even predict that Arctic nations like Canada and the Scandinavian states will prosper as global immigrants and businesses flee north, away from overheating climate zones.
Last week, though, we learned that there is truly no place to run from the burning climate. Widespread forest fires throughout continental Canada pumped toxic smoke across much of North America, painting skies a hideous orange and obscuring the views of famous landmarks.
New York City, for instance, experienced one of the worst air pollution days in its history, with an Air Quality Index even harsher than the level it reached on 9/11. Its airports were closed and its citizens were warned to remain indoors.
Indeed, our sad reality now requires all organizations – even airport bars and neighborhood coffee shops – to incorporate climate change considerations into their risk management plans. As “Wildfire Season” becomes an annual occurrence from California to Quebec, business closures will become increasingly frequent and routine.
A decade ago, environmentalists asked us to invest in climate change solutions in order to protect the futures of our children and grand-children. That’s still a valid argument, but today, we also need such solutions to protect our own futures.
Originally published at michaelkraten.blogspot.com. All rights reserved by author.