Report highlights urban climate risks, gaps in preparedness

A new report by Zurich Insurance Group and Economist Impact has found that cities are largely underprepared to tackle the escalating challenges of climate change. The study, titled Resilience from the Ground Up: Assessing City-Level Approaches to Climate Risk and Adaptation, surveyed 5,000 people from 10 global cities and drew from expert interviews to assess the state of urban resilience.

As extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity, the findings highlight the urgent need for cities to adopt robust climate adaptation strategies to protect their environments, economies, and public health. Despite the severity of the risks, many urban centres remain ill-equipped to handle the impact.

Need for readiness

The report revealed that 80% of respondents believe their cities are not adequately prepared to deal with climate-related risks. Among the most pressing concerns are heatwaves, air pollution, water shortages, and flooding. These risks, according to the survey participants, could pose vulnerabilities in their cities’ infrastructure and response capabilities.

Water management emerged as an area of concern, with over 41% of respondents indicating that their city’s water infrastructure is at risk. The report noted cities are facing growing threats from both water shortages and flooding.

The report also emphasized the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. Women, children, the elderly, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups bear the brunt of the challenges.

Responsibilities and responses

The research pointed to public demand for government leadership in climate adaptation. A majority of respondents expect national and local governments to take charge, while 28% believe that businesses should lead these efforts. However, there is widespread dissatisfaction with corporate actions, as 58% of those surveyed feel that businesses are not doing enough.

Individual responsibility for climate adaptation is also gaining traction, with nearly a third of respondents acknowledging their own role in building resilience. Among those, 95% have either taken or plan to take steps toward climate adaptation. However, barriers such as high costs, lack of knowledge, and distrust in government policies remain significant obstacles to broader individual engagement.

A collaborative path forward

The report stressed that creating resilient cities will require not only government action but also cooperation from the private sector. The insurance industry, in particular, is poised to play a crucial role. Insurers can leverage their expertise in natural hazards to assist cities, businesses, and communities in crafting effective strategies for climate resilience.

Dirk De Nil, global head of Zurich Resilience Solutions, highlighted the central role cities must play in leading climate adaptation efforts. “Cities are on the frontline of the climate crisis, but they also have the power to lead the charge in building community resilience,” he stated. De Nil underscored the importance of insurers in providing the necessary tools and knowledge for cities to navigate climate-related challenges.

The report has also called for investment in resilient infrastructure, transparent communication, and inclusive community engagement to ensure that climate solutions are both effective and equitable.

How much can climate change impact communities? Share your thoughts in the comments below.