Nine out of ten companies failing to plan for low-carbon economy despite recognising need to tackle climate change

More than a third of business leaders do not see climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy as a concern

According to research 41 per cent of business leaders see climate change as only a “minor concern” (Getty)

Nine out of 10 companies are failing to plan ahead for a low-carbon economy despite recognising they have a duty to tackle climate change, according to new research.

More than a third of business leaders (38 per cent) do not see climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy as a concern, while 41 per cent see it as only a “minor concern”, according to research by Aston University.

Craig Bennett, chief executive officer of Friends of the Earth (ROB MONK PHOTOGRAPHY)

Figures from a survey, conducted by YouGov, suggest that 7 per cent have adapted their corporate strategy and future business plans to accommodate the issue, even though 66 per cent believe they have a responsibility to tackle climate change. A third of business leaders have admitted that their business has failed to adapt any of its plans so far.

Craig Bennett, chief executive officer of Friends of the Earth, has warned that firms that fail to adapt are in danger of missing out on the benefits of a low-carbon economy. He said: “Businesses worth their salt will already be talking about how they can adapt to the future challenges and expected opportunities of a low-carbon economy.

“But a lack of consistency from the Government, and George Osborne’s appalling leadership on climate change, are causing confusion in the business community.”

Aston University’s first Carbon Week starts on 2 November.