Imagine you’re running a business, and suddenly, a storm hits—not just outside, but inside your compliance office. That’s what’s happening in 2025, as extreme weather events are reshaping the rules companies must follow.
California is leading the charge. The state’s new climate disclosure laws, SB 253 and SB 261, require companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks. Even though the California Air Resources Board (CARB) delayed some rulemaking, the reporting deadlines are still on track. Companies must submit their first disclosures by January 1, 2026, using data from 2025. This means businesses are scrambling to gather data, even as the rules are still being fine-tuned. It’s like trying to pack for a trip while the weather forecast keeps changing.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is making waves. Starting in 2026, importers will need to track and report the carbon emissions of goods they bring into the EU. Larger importers are already preparing, knowing that their suppliers—sometimes even in the U.S.—may be asked to provide verified emissions data. It’s not just about paperwork; it’s about staying competitive in a world where climate risk is a real cost.
In Australia, new mandatory climate reporting standards are forcing companies to revamp their decarbonization strategies. Businesses are updating their plans to ensure they can withstand public and auditor scrutiny. It’s not just about hitting targets anymore; it’s about proving you’ve got a credible plan to adapt to a changing climate.
And it’s not just about emissions. Companies are also using new tech, like weather intelligence dashboards, to protect their assets and workers from severe weather. Real-time alerts help them respond faster, showing how compliance isn’t just about rules—it’s about resilience.
So, whether you’re in California, Europe, or Australia, extreme weather isn’t just a headline—it’s a business reality. Companies that adapt quickly will be better prepared for the storms ahead, both literal and regulatory.
References:
- https://www.dlapiper.com/en-us/insights/publications/horizon/2025/horizon-news-and-trends-in-sustainability-law-october-2025
- https://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com/the-state-of-esg-2025/
- https://www.bdo.com/insights/sustainability-and-esg/bdo-sustainability-insights-q4
- https://www.sustainability.com/insights/asrs-aus-energy/articles/decarbonisation-priorities-in-2025-time-to-revamp-your-strategy/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cALuw-xnto
- https://www.responsible-investor.com/the-long-road-ahead-investors-grapple-with-physical-climate-risk-assessment/
- https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2025/11/05/States-Join-Forces-to-Oppose-Federal-Rollback-of-Worker-Safety-Protections.aspx?admgarea=news
- https://www.nerc.com/news/Pages/Standards-Quarterly-Outlook-Video-Highlights-Major-Projects-.aspx
- https://www.morningstar.com/news/accesswire/1093473msn/rain-enhancement-technologies-exhibits-at-premier-wmo-scientific-conference-showcases-ionization-research-advancements
- https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2025/10/chairs-statement-on-extreme-weather-prediction-preparedness-and-response.html
