Record-breaking rainfall and disruption in Gulf states linked to climate change

Earlier this week, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman experienced unprecedented flooding, with over a year and a half’s worth of rain falling in 24 hours. The floods have killed at least 21 people and caused motorways, schools and Dubai airport to shut down.

Whilst some have claimed that the floods were caused by cloud-seeding, a process that involves manipulating clouds to produce rainfall, scientists believe that climate change is to blame for the record-breaking floods.

What this means for businesses

The floods have interrupted business operations, with flights being stalled and roads inaccessible for days, forcing many people to work from home.

Moreover, the flooding serves an example of the rising threat of climate change on businesses. Scientists have warned that extreme weather events such as the one seen in the UAE and Oman will become increasingly common as the earth’s temperature continues to rise.

A recent study predicted that damage to infrastructure, productivity, farming and health will cost an estimated $38 trillion a year by 2050, reducing the global economy’s GDP by 17%.

With poorer economies being worst affected, the risk of civil unrest and conflict in these areas will significantly increase, presenting an increased threat to businesses.