Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 141): 9 October 2025

Climate Change

In the period 15 September to 28 September 2025 (Wave 141), businesses were asked whether they were very concerned, somewhat concerned, not concerned or not sure about the impact of climate change on their business.

Figure 2: In September 2025, 38.6% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about the impact of climate change on their business, in line with June 2025 but down on previous years.

Estimated share of businesses by whether concerned about impact of climate change on business. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 66 (20 September to 2 October 2022) to 141 (15 September to 28 September 2025).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 141 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see table ‘ClimateChangeConcerned’.

Large businesses (250 or more employees) were more likely to be concerned about the impact of climate change on their business than small to medium-sized businesses (10 to 249 employees). An estimated 57.5% of large businesses were very or somewhat concerned, compared to 36.4% of small to medium-sized businesses.

In September 2025, 43.0% of businesses reported that they had been impacted by severe weather events in the last 12 months, with 36.3% of businesses reporting that they had been impacted by a storm.