Heatwaves & Businesses: When Climate Becomes Cost

Energy demand across Europe continues to break records year after year, as the increasingly extreme summer temperatures of the past decade become the new norm due to climate change. During periods of intense heat, the use of air conditioning and cooling systems soars, placing significant strain on energy networks. For businesses, this translates into rising operational costs, while energy resources are pushed to their limits.

It’s a vicious cycle: the growing demand for energy and the planet’s rising temperatures fuel each other.

Global warming is driven primarily by the increase in greenhouse gas emissions— such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) — which trap heat in the atmosphere. The main sources of these emissions are the widespread use of fossil fuels for energy production and industrial and business activities. As businesses strive to meet the growing need for cooling during heatwaves, they inevitably contribute to the very problem they are trying to manage. Their emissions intensifying climate change and  the crisis they face.

According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record this year, driven by intense heatwaves affecting both land and sea.At the same time, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is predicting continued high temperatures and reduced rainfall. As a result, the risk of both heatwaves and drought is on the rise.

It is therefore critical that we make choices today that break this cycle. Addressing global warming is no longer a “green luxury” — it is a strategic necessity. Investing in energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of businesses is essential for their long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

With the development of RIBIA and RiskClima systems, E-On offers integrated tools for assessing emission-related and climate-related risks. These solutions enable businesses to plan strategically, mitigate risks, and adapt to future climate challenges.