EDF Joins Global Campaign to Help Companies Mitigate Climate Risks, Improve Resilience

Today Environmental Defense Fund joins the largest global climate action movement to mobilize small-to-medium sized enterprises.   

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) power the global economy, forming the backbone of supply chains and local communities. Together they make up 90 percent of businesses worldwide, generate more than half of global GDP and emissions, and create 7 in 10 jobs - driving inclusive growth. These companies are also vulnerable to rising temperatures, increasing insurance costs and increasing instability from extreme weather.   

The effort led by the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions is enlisting 40+ global organizations to send a demand signal for climate action among their supply chains. The Climate-proofing SMEs campaign calls on major corporate and financial actors to enhance support for SMEs to ensure that they not only survive but thrive in the race to a healthier, more prosperous and resilient world. By creating a connected support ecosystem for SMEs to provide guidance and knowledge-sharing opportunities, the campaign connects global best practices with local networks and needs.  

“Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is an immediate risk to business stability, disrupting supply chains, damaging infrastructure, and reshaping economic landscapes. Projections indicate global economic losses could reach a staggering $38 trillion annually by 2050," said Elizabeth Sturcken, Managing Director of the Environmental Defense Fund. "The Net Zero Action Accelerator equips companies with cost-effective, science-based strategies to drive meaningful climate action. While some political leadership may be paused in the short-term, there are solutions available today to advance the transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy. The business case for climate action is strong.”  

"Building capacity for SMEs across supply chains is essential for effective climate action. The Environmental Defense Fund’s Net Zero Action Accelerator (NZAA) provides a valuable resource to support this effort. We are delighted to welcome EDF as a collaborator and look forward to working with them to advance climate action adoption among global companies through the Climate-Proofing SMEs campaign,” said Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion.