The ongoing conversations about climate change reflect what scientists have been warning us about for years, and the threat grows increasingly urgent. While this poses serious challenges for the planet and humanity, it’s not entirely negative for everyone. To illustrate this point, we explore the industries that are currently benefiting from climate change and those expected to benefit in the future.
To compile this list of industries profiting from climate change, 24/7 Tempo reviewed multiple environmental and scientific sources, including Mother Jones, the United Nations, the Canadian Climate Institute, and others. We hope this list provides insight into the significant impact of climate change.
This post was updated May 30, 2025 to reflect new information.
Here is how climate change is shaping new markets:
Renewable Energy
One of the industries benefiting from climate change is the renewable energy sector, especially when it comes to solar panels. As the climate changes, people will have an interest in more sustainable forms of energy because the temperatures will get hotter, and so they’ll need to use their air conditioning systems for longer. Solar panels do this while preventing harm to the planet. More people will likely buy solar panels, so it may be a booming business going forward. Other forms of renewable energy that may increase are wind and geothermal energy.
Existing Energy
While many people will likely look into new forms of energy, many people will stick with what they have, and thus, another of the industries benefiting from climate change is existing forms of energy. If the temperatures increase as climate change and global warming experts predict, renters and homeowners may start using their air conditioning units longer while setting them at lower temperatures. As a result, utility bills will increase and fossil fuel companies will meet the challenge and make a lot more money in the process. The needs may also mean more business for offshore drilling companies.
Air Conditioning Repair Companies
While they may be smaller businesses, it’s also likely that AC and HVAC repair companies will also see a boom in the upcoming years. As the climate gets hotter and the spring and summer seasons begin to extend, homeowners will be running their AC units for longer. More wear and tear means they’ll eventually require repair. In addition to being busier in general, these HVAC companies will also see the demand, and they may raise prices. So, the owners of these companies could do quite well if climate change continues to escalate.
Construction
There are a few reasons why both commercial and residential construction businesses may begin booming during the upcoming decades. One is that as awareness of climate change rises, so does the demand for more efficient buildings. The addition of energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, and roofs will likely spike, so builders will be busy. Another more frightening possibility is that if sea levels continue to rise, homes in coastal areas may start to go underwater, so those residents will need to find somewhere else to live. When they do, they’ll need new homes, and construction companies will build them.
Textile and Clothing Manufacturing
Climate change can create unique weather patterns and textile and clothing companies may try taking advantage by making comfortable clothing for whatever comes next. If climate change creates colder winters, they may start making more weather-resistant coats and clothing. If the weather gets hotter, then breezier outfits may be required. High-end clothing companies may also make money as they produce fashionable and climate-resistant outfits that may fly off of the shelves. There may also be a rise in the demand for sustainable clothing manufacturers, and so those companies may make more money.
Agricultural System Designers
If climate change poses the threat that many scientists believe it will, then the harsh weather and drier soil may cause issues when it comes to growing and harvesting food. As a result, biotech and agricultural system designers may be working around the clock looking to develop new approaches to finding ways to grow that food and ensure that the population of the planet can continue to thrive. The companies will be looking into crop science and other scientific theories to help the planet, and they’ll be paid for their work.
Shipping Companies
Companies that utilize boats will likely see an increase in business for a number of unique reasons. Currently, shipping companies require more time to deliver goods because their boats need to drive carefully to avoid icebergs and icy waters. When they melt, the boats can make more direct trips. Quick shipping times could result in companies ordering more products and it could mean more profit for the shipping companies. Many shipping businesses may also make more money because the declining ice levels could mean that they can travel to places that were unsafe in the past.
Security and Defense Firms
The effects of climate change can often create a domino effect that causes distress in other facets of life. When the environment goes haywire, it can become harder to grow food. The less food there is, the more upset the citizens get, and this could lead to civil unrest. If so, security and defense firms may need to be hired to keep things under control. Many times, when there is no food, people will try to go elsewhere, which could lead to a potential refugee crisis, which again may require defense firms.
Drilling Companies
While many blame them for the potential climate change issues, undoubtedly, one of the industries benefiting from climate change will be drilling companies. For many years, drilling companies like Chevron have been trying to get into the relatively untapped oil reserves in the Arctic region, but the thick ice has made it almost impossible for them to get to it. With global warming and the melting of the ice caps, the drilling companies now have an easier go of it, and they’ll likely make a lot of money in the process.
Ice Cream Companies
It has always been common for kids and families to desire ice cream during the summer months. We all remember hearing the familiar tune as the ice cream truck came driving down the road. However, now that the warmer days are sticking around for longer and the temperatures are rising, there’s an even bigger demand for ice cream. Companies like Nestle have been seeing record profits and that’s a trend that will likely continue if the weather issues continue to worsen.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Companies
Climate issues can wreak havoc on the environment, and one of the side effects could be higher levels of pollen and more climate-change-induced medical conditions like asthma. As a result, pharmacies and medical companies could make more money by selling more healthcare products. Walmart already believes there will be an increase in prescriptions. Warmer conditions could also lead to the increased spreading of tropical diseases often carried by mosquitoes, and drug companies could profit from that as well.
Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning Suppliers
The final of the industries benefiting from climate change will be the companies that produce air conditioners. People who currently have an AC may want to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, and they’ll pay big bucks to get something that works and benefits the planet. People who don’t own an air conditioner may want to look into one so they can stay cool during the spiking temperatures. Even companies that don’t produce energy-efficient models will also see an increase in profits. The rise in AC sales will be even more likely for cities that often hit over 110 degrees.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Maksim Safaniuk / Shutterstock.com.