Almost two-thirds of companies in the EU are seeing the consequences of climate change, such as droughts, floods or changes in weather patterns, according to a survey. Around 20 percent of companies in Austria say it has a significant impact, according to a pan-European survey published on Thursday by the European Investment Bank (EIB). More than half of Austrian companies surveyed reported a moderate impact from extreme weather events. Last year, 57 percent of companies across Europe were exposed to physical risks due to climate change, this year it was 64 percent. Of the approximately 36 percent of European companies surveyed, just over a third have taken or invested in measures to make themselves more resilient to climate change risks – with large companies reporting the highest number, and smaller numbers of medium-sized companies. The survey shows that 13 percent of EU companies surveyed are insured against losses caused by climate change. More than 90 percent of companies surveyed in Austria are trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in various ways. The Netherlands has the highest rate at around 98 percent and Greece has the lowest (around 68 percent). 70 percent of EU companies use advanced digital technologies. This is an increasing trend – and the gap with the US is narrowing. In addition, 80 percent of EU companies reported a profit in the last financial year. This means that the share of profitable companies has returned to pre-coronavirus levels, according to the EIB. The share of EU companies that invested in 2022 is also back to pre-pandemic levels. “This positive result is due to companies recognizing the urgent need for structural change and building buffers in recent years,” the company said. (APA/APA/THEMENBILD/ROLAND SCHLAGER)