Poor air quality caused by ongoing wildfires in Canada has drawn increased attention to Canadian wildfire season and the role climate change has on this evolving risk. Warmer, dryer weather leads to increased lightning storms, which account for 85% of wildfires in Canada. The burning of trees and other vegetation releases carbon monoxide into the atmosphere, fueling climate change and altering weather patterns.
This all serves as a stark reminder that this risk isn't going away. Wildfires play into the greater conversation about actionable, government-led climate change initiatives, which places onus on businesses to manage the part they play in contributing to environmental pollutants.
From a risk management standpoint, this article serves as a guide to understand the various risk components linked to wildfires, and considerations for future business planning.
- A snapshot of government-led climate change action priorities for business planning purposes
- Assessing and calculating your business operational risk if operating in wildfire prone areas including future affordability of insurance, self-insurance or potential re-location
- Understanding environmental liability implications during a wildfire event and exploring this type of insurance coverage as a possible risk transference option
- Considerations for creating a safe and productive workplace that thoughtfully weaves in wildfire risk considerations into employee management practices, policies and communication approaches
