Business Insights and Conditions in Scotland (wave 147): 15 January 2026

Climate Change

In the period 15 December to 28 December 2025 (Wave 147), 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 December 2025, 42.1% of businesses were very or somewhat concerned about the impact of climate change on their business, up from the share reported in September 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 147 (15 December to 28 December 2025).

Source: BICS weighted Scotland estimates - data to Wave 147 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 51.3% of large businesses were very or somewhat concerned, compared to 41.1% of small to medium-sized businesses.

In December 2025, 42.4% of businesses reported that they had been impacted by severe weather events in the last 12 months, with 37.5% of businesses reporting that they had been impacted by a storm.