Facing the Storm: manufacturing resilience
by Ashley Tulley
Hurricanes are not mere anomalies; they are a direct consequence of a warming planet. The science is unequivocal: climate-related risks extend beyond environmental concerns to encompass financial and operational threats.
Manufacturers must integrate climate resilience into their business strategies, conducting risk assessments and planning for the future to safeguard against disruptions in supply chains and infrastructure. By prioritizing proactive resilience planning, companies can mitigate risks and enhance their capacity to withstand future storms. The time for action is now. Building a climate-resilient business is essential not only for survival but for ensuring long-term success in an increasingly unpredictable world.
The science is clear
These storms are not anomalies but direct consequences of a warming planet.
As sea levels and ocean temperatures rise, hurricanes are becoming stronger and intensifying faster than ever. These storms are catastrophic, costly, deadly, and the new normal due to climate change.
On September 26, a category 4 hurricane, Helene, made landfall and caused widespread devastation. As of October 6, Helens’s death toll stood at 225 and continues to rise as bodies are unearthed from the debris (Associated Press). The $210 million federal assistance issued (FEMA) pales in comparison to the estimated $30.5 – $47.5 billion in total wind and flood damage Helen caused across 16 states (Corelogic). Now, only 2 weeks later, the west coast of Florida - still reeling from Helen – is bracing for hurricane Milton, which has “the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record” according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Tampa Bay’s Mayor, Jane Castor, has issued a mandatory evacuation of over 1 million people along with the grim warning, “I can say without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die.”
The science is clear. These storms are not anomalies but direct consequences of a warming planet. Climate change is already here, manifesting in extreme weather events that demand immediate attention, not just from governments but from the global business community as well. Companies need to recognize that climate-related risks are not isolated to environmental impact—they are financial, operational, and existential.
"Climate action is essential, and the there is no time to waste."
Understanding Hurricanes and Their Growing Impact
Hurricanes are rotating, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that originates over tropical or subtropical waters and have closed, low-level circulation. Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that form in the North Atlantic, Central North Pacific, and Eastern North Pacific. Their formation depends on several key factors: warm ocean temperatures, moisture, and relatively light winds. When these conditions persist, they lead to violent winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges capable of causing widespread devastation.
The Saffir-Simpson Scale, which ranks hurricanes from 1 to 5 based on wind speed, serves as an indicator of potential damage. While all hurricanes pose serious threats, the most significant impacts come from Category 3-5 storms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that 85% of all hurricane-related damage stems from these high-category storms. The link between climate change and hurricane intensity is evident, as warmer oceans fuel faster, stronger storms. According to the National Center for Atmospheric Research, we’ve already seen a 25-30% increase in Category 4 and 5 hurricanes.
These storms can cause major disruptions in supply chains
Flooded factories, damaged equipment, and logistical bottlenecks can lead to financial losses that reverberate across global supply chains.
Extreme Weather impacts on manufacturing facilities:
The growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly hurricanes, pose significant challenges for the manufacturing sector. These storms can cause major disruptions in supply chains, halt production, and damage critical infrastructure. For industries with operations in coastal or flood-prone areas, the risks are even more pronounced. Flooded factories, damaged equipment, and logistical bottlenecks can lead to financial losses that reverberate across global supply chains.
Manufacturing companies must begin to incorporate climate resilience into their business strategies. Climate risk assessments can help identify vulnerabilities in operations and infrastructure, guiding decisions on where to invest in resilience measures. This includes retrofitting facilities to withstand floods, updating logistics planning for quicker recovery after storms, and diversifying supply chains to mitigate the impact of local disruptions.
Regions prone to extreme weather events are increasingly becoming high-risk areas for manufacturers. Strategic decisions about plant locations, supply chain routes, and even workforce safety should take into account these evolving risks. By assessing and planning for climate-related threats, businesses can minimize downtime and financial losses, ensuring greater continuity in the face of future storms.
Preparing for the Future:
The reality of more intense and frequent hurricanes calls for a shift in thinking—from reactive recovery efforts to proactive resilience planning. Businesses that fail to address the risks posed by climate change are putting themselves and their stakeholders in jeopardy. Incorporating climate risk assessments and resilience planning into long-term strategy is no longer optional; it’s essential.
As we face a future where hurricanes become stronger and more destructive, the responsibility falls on governments, businesses, and individuals alike to take meaningful action. While we cannot reverse the damage already done, we can mitigate future risks by embedding climate resilience into all levels of decision-making. Whether it’s choosing safer locations for manufacturing plants or reinforcing infrastructure, businesses that invest in climate resilience now will be better positioned to navigate the increasingly volatile conditions ahead.
Extreme weather is the new normal. Building a climate-resilient business is not only a matter of smart strategy but of survival in an unpredictable world.
References:
https://gpm.nasa.gov/resources/faq/what-difference-between-typhoon-cyclone-and-hurricane
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/cyclone.html
https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2019/07/how-climate-change-is-making-hurricanes-more-dangerous/
https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/blogs/hazard-hq/ptc9-hurricane-helene-florida/
https://www.edf.org/climate/how-climate-change-makes-hurricanes-more-destructive