Corporate climate adaptation: translating complex societal risks into business as usual

The book examines the growing role of multinational companies in climate adaptation governance, focusing particularly on the mining sector. It explores how corporate adaptation strategies respond to climate risks such as floods, droughts, and water scarcity, and analyzes how these responses affect not only business operations but also local communities and ecosystems. The book argues that corporate adaptation should incorporate principles of responsible business conduct to ensure that private-sector responses to climate change consider broader societal and environmental impacts.

The book finds that corporate adaptation strategies in the mining sector are often selective, reactive, and largely integrated into existing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives rather than embedded in transparent and inclusive governance frameworks. Weak public regulation, voluntary standards, and limited oversight reduce accountability and allow companies to prioritize business continuity over societal resilience. The authors conclude that stronger governance mechanisms—such as greater transparency, societal climate risk assessments, and meaningful stakeholder participation—are necessary to ensure that corporate adaptation contributes to equitable and sustainable climate resilience.