Who Truly Profits from Global Warming? Uncovering the Hidden Beneficiaries | EarthTalk on Cornelius Today

Dear EarthTalk: Which companies and industries might gain from global warming?

—Jerry M., Largo, FL

June 6. Climate change is often in the news, and it poses a serious threat. According to Swiss Re, a global insurance company, climate change could lead to a $23 trillion loss in global GDP by 2050. But amid this crisis, some companies see opportunities to profit.

In the U.S., recent policy decisions are adding to the problem. For example, there’s been a renewed push for coal mining under the current administration, which may worsen climate issues rather than improve them. The Institute of International Finance notes that our existing strategies won’t keep the global temperature increase below 2°C, a level scientists warn could be catastrophic.

Despite these challenges, some sectors are thriving. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is booming as rising temperatures increase the demand for cooling solutions. Renewable energy is on an upward trend too, expected to grow by 4.22% from 2025 to 2029. Events in 2024, which saw climate-related disasters costing $140 billion—like wildfires in Los Angeles and Hurricane Milton—highlight the urgent need for action.

As the climate shifts, new opportunities arise in unpredictable areas. Thawing permafrost could expose mineral reserves in the Arctic, opening up mining possibilities. Tourism may also change, with travelers seeking to visit vulnerable places like Venice before they vanish underwater.

Several companies are leading the charge in adapting to these changes. NextEra Energy focuses on renewable solutions and is investing in green hydrogen initiatives to help reduce emissions. Tesla, known for electric cars, is also involved in solar energy and battery storage.

As Gautum Jain from Columbia University puts it, “The political environment has changed, so some are conforming to that… but it’s mainly a rational business decision.” Our choices can support sustainable businesses, lower our own carbon footprints, and encourage effective environmental policies.

For more on the impact of climate policies under the current administration, you can read about the push for coal here: Trump signs executive order to expand ‘clean’ coal.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the nonprofit EarthTalk. Learn more at https://emagazine.com. For questions, you can reach out at: question@earthtalk.org.

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