2023-10-12 11:57:21
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to the climate crisis. Companies in Europe are also noticing this, as a survey shows. The shortage of skilled workers also continues to be a problem. But there are also positive things.
Luxemburg.
According to a survey, almost two thirds of companies in the EU are noticing the effects of climate change, such as droughts, floods or changes in weather patterns. In Germany, around 16 percent of companies say they have a significant influence, according to a Europe-wide survey published today by the European Investment Bank (EIB). Around 43 percent of the German companies surveyed reported a slight influence from extreme weather events. Last year, 57 percent of companies across Europe were exposed to physical risks due to the climate crisis.
At around 36 percent of European companies, just over a third have taken or invested in measures to be more resilient to climate change risks – according to the information, these are primarily large companies and fewer medium-sized companies. As the survey shows, 13 percent of EU companies surveyed are insured against losses caused by the effects of climate change.
Around 92 percent of the companies surveyed in Germany are trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in various ways. At around 98 percent, the Netherlands has the most and the least in Greece (around 68 percent).
70 percent of EU companies use advanced digital technologies, it said. This is an upward trend – and the gap to the USA is shrinking. In addition, 80 percent of EU companies reported profits in the last financial year. This means that the proportion of profitable companies has returned to pre-Corona levels, according to the EIB. The proportion of EU companies that made investments in 2022 is also back to the level before the pandemic. “This positive result is due to the fact that companies have recognized the urgent need for structural change and have built up buffers in recent years,” it said.
Skilled labor shortages remain a problem
The shortage of skilled workers remains a problem. According to the survey, 81 percent of companies see difficulties in finding qualified personnel as an obstacle.
For the annual survey, more than 12,000 companies in all 27 EU countries were surveyed from April to July and data was collected on company characteristics, previous investment activities and future plans as well as sources of financing. Challenges such as climate change and digital transformation were also asked.
According to the information, the survey is representative of all EU member states as well as of four size classes of companies, from micro to large, and the economic sectors of manufacturing, construction, services and infrastructure. (dpa)
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