INDUSTRY UNLOCKED attack and will take to the streets to defend them ,” said Todorovic . “ Riots can erupt , as a result , around a single flashpoint , such as a heavyhanded response by authorities that is deemed unjust .” These can then escalate across a wider area , with larger numbers of people involved , to become civil commotion . If this spills over into violence and opportunism , businesses can be vulnerable to property damage and looting .
Climate and environmental concerns : Where governments are seen to row back on climate change progress , such as fracking or reopening coalmines as a solution to reliance on Russian gas , there could be unrest . Businesses that are deemed to profit excessively from fossil fuels while many people struggle could also be targeted . “ Environmental protestors made colourful headlines in 2022 – such as activists pouring soup on a Van Gogh painting or gluing themselves to roads – and will continue to do so in 2023 ,” said Etienne Cheret , a Regional Practice Group Leader ,
Crisis Management at AGCS . “ Climate change demonstrations tend not to be violent , but they can be disruptive , particularly if they affect transport infrastructure . We expect this kind of activity to continue , if not escalate , in the coming year .”
Implement , test and update continuity plans
Incidences of civil unrest can be difficult to predict because they often start with a specific trigger such as a change in government , a piece of new legislation or a sudden price rise . However , there are many things businesses can do to minimise disruption . Allianz Risk Consulting has developed a list of technical recommendations for companies , such as implementing , and then regularly testing and updating , a Business Continuity plan . Specialist insurance can help protect companies against damage resulting from political violence , as well as any interruption to the business . Policies can cover civil war , SRCC , terrorism and war . x www . intelligentcxo . com
39