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# Climate Change and ISO Standards: How Organizations Can Respond

In recent years, the focus on climate change has grown exponentially. The new ISO management system standards have introduced requirements that ask organizations to actively assess and manage their impact on the climate. This is no longer a marginal issue but a strategic priority that can influence the long-term success and sustainability of businesses.

## The Importance of Mitigation and Adaptation

John Holdren, former science advisor, outlined three fundamental strategies for addressing climate change: mitigation, adaptation, and suffering. Each choice has different consequences, and the key to reducing future suffering lies in intensifying mitigation efforts. Organizations are therefore faced with an important task: to integrate these choices into their day-to-day management and strategy.

Environmental management has become an imperative for organizations, if only to ensure their sustainability over time. In the fight against climate change, companies can no longer afford to ignore their responsibilities; instead, they must consider climate change as an integral part of their strategic planning.

## ISO Standards: Updates and Implications

The new versions of ISO standards, particularly Annex SL, have incorporated requirements that require organizations to consider climate change. In particular, requirements 4.1 and 4.2 ask companies to analyze their context and the expectations of stakeholders regarding this issue.

1. **Requirement 4.1**: Organizations must understand if climate change is relevant in their context and how this relevance might affect their objectives.

2. **Requirement 4.2**: Organizations must consider how the needs of stakeholders related to climate change may influence their activities. These stakeholders may include customers, suppliers, investors, and local communities.

These regulatory changes, which will begin in February 2024, will require many organizations to review their processes and policies to align with these new standards.

### The Impact on Management Systems

Complying with the new regulatory requirements should not be seen as a burden but as an opportunity to improve business performance. Indeed, adapting to ISO standards on climate change management can translate into:

– **Improvement of environmental performance**: Through initiatives to reduce consumption and emissions.

– **Cost reduction**: Savings from operational efficiencies and lower compliance-related expenses.

– **Enhanced reputation**: Demonstrating a serious commitment to sustainability can strengthen corporate image and foster greater trust among stakeholders.

– **Increased competitive advantage**: Companies that successfully adapt to climate change are able to attract talent and customers who are aware of sustainable choices.

### Risk and Opportunity Assessment

Adopting a proactive strategy for climate change involves conducting a detailed risk assessment. Organizations must identify risk factors related to climate change and plan their mitigation actions. This may include:

– Analyzing greenhouse gas emissions.
– Identifying natural resources used in business processes.
– Assessing the environmental impact of their activities.

This risk analysis should not be viewed as an obligation but as an important opportunity to improve and make the company more resilient.

### Goals and Planning Toward Sustainability

Companies are then called upon to establish clear goals and …