Climate change preparedness of enterprises in the Upper Rhine region from a business perspective—A multidisciplinary, transboundary analysis

Companies can be affected by climate change in many ways. Effective adaptation to climate change will only be possible if the associated risks and opportunities as well as their own strengths and weaknesses are sufficiently known. Following the conceptual framework of a SWOT analysis, this article outlines the self-perception of companies from the Upper Rhine region regarding their climate change vulnerability. Based on 26 qualitative semi-structured company interviews, managers’ statements on climate change-related strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are divided into three categories based on the business function concerned. The resulting 4 × 3 matrix is used to analyse which aspects companies do not pay much attention to. We also highlight typical, frequently cited strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It appears that the majority of companies perceive climate change as an external threat but see themselves in a position to counter this threat with the help of internal qualities.