Climate leadership in climate change adaptation: An examination of organizational best practices and their use by Quebec businesses

The aim of this project is to fill a knowledge gap on the climate leadership of Quebec companies in climate change adaptation.

Project details
Scientific program
Programmation 2020-2028
Theme(s) and priority(s)
Economy - Climate Governance
Start and duration
May 2025 • December 2027
Project Status
Starting
 
Principal(s) investigator(s)
Yves Plourde
HEC Montréal

Context

In climate change adaptation, the private sector is often identified as an important blind spot. In this context, this project aims to acquire a better understanding of the management and governance practices promoting climate change adaptation used in Quebec businesses.

The project will focus on the risks perceived by businesses, the management and governance practices established in response to these risks, as well as the main challenges encountered in integrating climate change adaptation into their activities and organizational processes.

 

Objective(s)

  • To identify the management and governance best practices for climate change adaptation

  • To analyze the level at which Quebec businesses follow such practices, in order to assess their levels of resilience and vulnerability

  • To understand the challenges encountered by businesses in implementing these practices and to document the various pathways to the implementation of climate change adaptation practices by businesses in Quebec

  • To promote the leading companies and showcase the best practices they follow

Methodology

The proposed approach focuses on the management and governance practices that businesses follow to address climate change. This project uses a mixed research approach with three components:

  • A literature review on management and governance practices for climate change adaptation

  • A questionnaire administered through structured interviews with Quebec organizations

  • Case study documentation to fully understand the constraints and success factors in adapting to climate change

Expected results

  • An overview of the main adaptation approaches and practices that can be used by businesses, and their effects on the businesses that implement them

  • Development of a typology of business profiles to (1) explain business’ levels of climate change preparedness, (2) identify the factors explaining their level of preparedness, and (3) identify obstacles to the adoption of climate change adaptation practices and blind spots within Quebec businesses

  • Identification of pathways to increase the resilience of businesses and understand the conditions that would favour improved climate change preparedness

Benefits for adaptation

Benefits for adaptation

The project will provide a better understanding of Quebec business’ levels of climate change preparedness and what can be done to support them in their adaptation processes and increase their resilience.

Funding

Related projects

715700

 

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