The disastrous weather we’ve witnessed in recent years has many people wondering what to expect next. The seemingly end-to-end storms, bushfires, floods, and other devastating weather events prove to us that nobody can be 100% sure of how things will turn out over the coming years, let alone the coming weeks.
The climate change debate is always heightened by these events but regardless of your view on this matter, the weather can play a major part in investing.
For example, many industries may be forced to make expensive modifications to business practices to meet new standards, and scores of individual businesses may perish if they cannot adjust. At the same time, changes in consumer demands and sources of economic value can provide new opportunities.
For both professional and individual investors it is crucial to recognise the various impacts of the climate on the companies or funds that they are invested in or will potentially invest in. For example:
Energy sources and the price of coal
Coal has been a cheap way to generate electricity, but many argue that this won’t be the case once the ‘real’ cost is taken into account (ie. the environmental impact of burning coal). As new technology is increasingly taken up across the world, more companies are specialising in wind, solar and geothermal energy. With the cost of coal-fired power being shared among less users, and hence consumers consistently seeing their electricity bills rising, they may be further inclined to seek more energy-efficient methods.
Impact of drought on the agricultural sector
Drought is a way of life for many Australians on the land so we should never get complacent about water supply. Water scarcity leads to lower crop yields and/or higher prices for food products. Farmers are responding through demand for technologies that enhance their yields or enable better water usage and recycling.
Rising sea levels
Higher global temperatures and the consequent rise in sea levels will most obviously impact on the lifestyles of coastal communities. As a result, we could see new demands for infrastructure that is suitable for the ‘new environment’. The effects on fisheries and various ecosystems may lead to increased opportunities in farming and, again, technologies that enable these ecosystems to adapt.
Extreme weather and the effect on insurers
Insurance companies aim to be adequately compensated (via premiums paid by policyholders) for the risks they are taking. The increasing claims over recent years have affected premiums, particularly in regional areas, which may create opportunities for improved building standards and materials as consumers seek to better weather-proof their properties.
One thing that won’t change is the fundamentals of good investment decisions. The changing climate will result in many winners and many losers, and the prudent investor will be seeking to choose the right place to invest.
So the next time you’re chatting to your adviser about the weather, ask them how it could affect your portfolio.
For more information or to speak to one of our Financial Advisers please contact TNR Wealth Management on 02 6621 8544.
Disclaimer
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information and any advice in this publication does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. This article may contain material provided directly by third parties and is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but has not been independently verified. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and we recommend you seek detailed and specific advice from a suitably qualified adviser before acting on any information or advice in this publication. Any taxation position described in this publication is general and should only be used as a guide. It does not constitute tax advice and is based on current laws and our interpretation. You should consult a registered tax agent for specific tax advice on your circumstances.
